Virat Kohli, the star India batter, has shared a video message for the Indian athletes set to compete in the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. In an emotional video, Kohli says how the image of India has transformed over the years with the country which was once looked as a land of snake charmers and elephant, now being seen as a tech giant.
"India, Bharat, Hindustan. There was a time when the world could only think of India as a land of snake charmers and elephants. Over time, that has changed. Today we are known to the world as the largest democracy. A global tech hub. We are known for cricket, for Bollywood, for start-up unicorns and as the fastest growing economy in the world," Kohli said in a video shared on social media.
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"So, what is the next big thing for this great nation? Well, there will be more gold, more silver and more bronze. Our brothers and sisters are headed to Paris hungry for medals. A billion of us will be watching them nervous and excited as our athletes set foot on the track and fields and coats and things. Every neighbourhood, every corner of India, you will hear a chorus of voices chanting India, India, India! Join me in remembering their faces as they inch closer to the podium with the dogged determination of waving the Tiranga with pride," Kohli added.
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India's Paris Olympic Contingent
India's Paris 2024 Olympic Contingent comprises of 118 athletes which included 48 Women athletes. These athletes will represent India across 16 sports disciplines. As many as 72 Indian athletes will be making their Olympics debut at the French Capital where the opening ceremony is scheduled on July 26.