The most successful Indian contingent on Monday returned to India from the Tokyo Olympics, after winning seven medals (1 gold, 4 bronze and 2 silver) at the Games. The medal winners — Neeraj Chopra, Mirabai Chanu, PV Sindhu, Indian men's hockey team, Bajrang Punia, Ravi Kumar Dahiya and Lovlina Borgohain — were welcomed by top dignitaries and officials from the Sports Authority of India (SAI). They will be facilitated by SAI in the virtual presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi later this evening.
One of the first athletes to come out was Neeraj Chopra, who was mobbed by fans for selfies and hugs. The crowd at the airport wanted to catch a glimpse of the gold medal winner.
"We will bring more medals next time. I request everyone to give their love to all athletes," Neeraj Chopra exclusively told ABP News.
"I am a bit disappointed that I could not win gold medal due to injury, but I promise to change the color of medal in next Olympics," Bajrang Punia exclusively told ABP News.
"I'll prepare even better for 2024 & win medal for the country. Disheartened that I missed the bronze. But I'm happy that people gave me so much love. I hope that they continue to shower their love. I'll celebrate after 2024 Olympics," wrestler Deepak Punia told reporters upon returning to India.
"I thank everyone. It feels great to be back home. My next target is to win the gold medal in 2024 Paris Olympics", Tokyo Olympics bronze medalist boxer Lovlina Borgohain told ANI.
The facilitation ceremony will take place at Hotel Ashoka in Delhi this evening. The event was earlier scheduled to take place at the Major Dhyan Chand Stadium in Delhi but was moved to The Ashoka due to the rainy weather in New Delhi on Monday.
Notably, the Silver medal winner, Mirabai Chanu, and the Bronze winner, PV Sindhu, will be skipping the felicitation ceremony at Hotel Ashoka. The duo has already been felicitated by the Government of India.
Neeraj Chopra, Ravi Dahiya, Lovina Borgohain, Bajrang Punia and the men's hockey team will be facilitated by the Sports Authority of India (SAI) for winning medals at Tokyo 2020. India's performance at the Tokyo Olympics 2020 was the best ever by the nation at the Games.
Neeraj Chopra's gold medal in javelin throw lifted India's spirits and also the overall rank. India finished 47th at the Tokyo Olympics 2020, the best position for the country so far.