New Delhi: Two time Olympic medallist PV Sindhu has said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s consistent encouragement has left a lasting impact on India’s sporting community. She described how his words often lift athletes during difficult moments, especially when they fall short of expectations or miss out on higher medals.
Sindhu said the Prime Minister always reminds players that winning any medal at the highest level is an achievement in itself. She noted that he never overlooks the hard work behind a performance, even when an athlete misses a result by the smallest of margins. In a video shared by the social media platform Modi Story, she said that the Prime Minister values the spirit of effort and commitment as much as podium finishes.
Reflecting on her own experience after winning bronze at the Tokyo Olympics, Sindhu admitted she initially felt upset about not going further. However, she said PM Modi’s message that “getting a medal itself is a big thing” helped her regain perspective. She added that he shows the same appreciation for all athletes, including those who fall just short of the podium.
Sindhu recalled the Indian women’s hockey team’s emotional meeting with PM Modi after their narrow miss at the Tokyo Games. The team had finished fourth, but she said the Prime Minister praised them warmly and told them they had made the country proud. His reassurance, she said, changed the atmosphere instantly and acknowledged the magnitude of their effort.
According to Sindhu, the Prime Minister never frames a result as a failure. Instead, he tells players that they have contributed significantly to the nation and should be proud of their work. She believes this approach helps athletes stay motivated and feel valued even when results do not go their way.
Sindhu also remembered meeting the Prime Minister on several occasions and described how their journeys seemed to move in parallel. She has often said that many of her major career milestones happened after he assumed office, a coincidence she views fondly.
For Sindhu and many Indian sportspersons, his encouragement represents recognition of the dedication and discipline that define their careers, not just their medal count.
