In A First, India's Olympic Athletes Join Independence Day Celebration At Red Fort

India's Olympians were invited to the Independence Day celebrations at the Red Fort. Check below what the PM said to the athletes.

Image: Twitter/ @Media_SAI

On India's 75th Independence Day, the contingent that represented India at the Olympics in Tokyo was invited for the flag-hoisting ceremony. Prime Minister Modi gave his speech traditionally from the Red Fort. Bajrang Punia, PV Sindhu, Mirabai Chanu, Neeraj Chopra, and others are present at the event in New Delhi. 

It was the first time in the history of India's Independence Day celebrations, that Olympic athletes were also invited as dignitaries. 

PM Modi was full of praises for the Indian contingent. In his I-Day speech, Narendra Modi said, “Let’s applaud our Olympic champions. Not only have they made the country proud, but also inspired the future generations.”

"Sports is no longer only an 'extracurricular' activity but it is the mainstream," said PM Modi. 

WATCH THE VIDEO WHERE PM ADDRESSES THE OLYMPIC ATHLETES

I pay tribute to our #Tokyo2020 Olympians who made our nation proud. They have not only won our hearts but also inspired our young generation: PM @narendramodi
at #IndiaIndependenceDay#IndiaIndependenceDay #IndiaAt75 #AmritMahotsav pic.twitter.com/ATxzRelVi3

— PIB India (@PIB_India) August 15, 2021

"Sport is an important part of life," PM added. "There was a time when the importance of Sports was not understood. But today, people are aware of sports and fitness. We saw this during the Olympic Games too. Thus, it is a big turning point in our country," PM said about the athletes. 

Javelin Thrower Neeraj Chopra said that he was feeling honoured t be a part of the 15 August Independence Day celebrations. He wrote, "It was an honour to attend the Independence Day celebrations at the historic Red Fort today. As an athlete and a soldier, my heart is full of emotion when I see the national flag flying high. Jai Hind."