New Delhi: Indian athletes expressed their elation at being honoured by PM Narendra Modi for their performance at the Commonwealth Games 2022 in Birmingham with world championship gold medallist Nikhat Zareen gifting PM her boxing gloves and sprinter Hima Das giving the traditional Assamese gamocha.


PM Modi, on Saturday, felicitated the Indian athletes as he hosted them at his residence. At CWG 2022, India bagged a total of 61 medals, including 22 gold, 16 silver and 23 bronze.


"Honoured to gift the boxing gloves signed by all the pugilists to our honourable Prime Minister @narendramodi sir. Thank you for this amazing opportunity. A great day spent with my fellow athletes who have made the country proud," Nikhat tweeted.






Hima wrote on her Twitter handle, "Elated to receive blessings from our honourable Prime Minister - Shri @narendramodi Ji, by virtue of Commonwealth Games 2022. Fortunate to have presented him with our traditional gamcha, wrapped with immense gratitude from all of Assam." Champion weightlifter Mirabai Chanu, who won the CWG 2022 gold medal, thanked PM for his encouragement.






"Honoured to meet & interact with our Honourable Prime Minister @narendramodi Sir. Thank you so much sir for all your support & encouragement. Jai Hind," Chanu said.


"Thank You Sir for sparing your valuable time and inviting us over to your residence. It was like always a delight to speak with you," wrote shuttler Chirag Shetty on the microblogging site.


His young badminton colleague Lakshya Sen too expressed his gratitude at being honoured by the PM.


"What a great day for all the Athletes #gratitude. Thank you so much Sir for appreciating our hard work and for your words of encouragement. We are all very grateful for your support. Will continue to make our nation proud. Jai Hind!" Sen tweeted.


Star Indian para table tennis player Bhavina Patel, who won the gold medal in the women's singles class 3-5, called the interaction with Modi motivating.


"Meeting Hon. PM @narendramodi ji once again, interacting with him and seeking blessing was motivating and inspiring as always. His keen interest in our performances and detailed conversations are very gratifying!" Bhavina said.


After the felicitation programme, the prime minister said the "CWG 2022 will always be remembered for memorable performances and diversifying our pursuit for excellence." 


(With PTI Inputs)