PM Modi hails power of tricolour, says it turned protective shield not only for Indians but also for other nationals

Highlighting the strength of the national flag and its significance in the safe evacuation of students from war-torn Ukraine, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday said the tricolour had become a protective shield not only for Indians but also for people of other countries in coming out of the battlefield.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi interacted with all medal winners of the Commonwealth 2022 games at his official residence on Saturday.

Addressing the athletes, PM Modi said, "What is the power of the tricolour, we have seen this in Ukraine some time ago. The tricolour had become a protective shield not only for Indians but also for people of other countries in coming out of the battlefield."

Notably, the Government of India had launched Operation Ganga earlier this year to evacuate students stranded in war-torn Ukraine.

Prime Minister's observation comes on the day when the 'Har Ghar Tiranga' campaign was started under the aegis of Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav to encourage people to bring the Tiranga home and to hoist it to mark the 75th year of India's independence. The programme envisages inspiring Indians everywhere to hoist the national flag at their homes.

The PM said it is a matter of pride that with the hard work of the athletes and inspiring achievement, the country is entering 'Azadi ka Amrit Kaal'.

Lauding the achievements of Indian athletes in the recently concluded Commonwealth Games, PM Modi said the athletes not just won medals for the country but strengthened the spirit of 'Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat' and inspired the youth in every sector.

"You not only give a medal to the country, you not only give an opportunity to celebrate, be proud but also strengthen the spirit of 'Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat'. You inspire the youth of the country to do better not only in sports but also in other sectors," he said.

The prime minister said that in the last few weeks, the country has made two major achievements in the field of sports. Along with the historic performance in the Commonwealth Games, the PM said the country has organized Chess Olympiad in the country for the first time.

PM Modi further said, "Be it Boxing, Judo, Wrestling, the way daughters have dominated, it is amazing. This time we have created a new way of winning in four new games as compared to last time. From lawn bowls to athletics, there has been phenomenal performance. With this performance, the interest of youth towards new sports in the country is going to increase a lot."

"All of you were competing there, but crores of Indians were watching you here. Till late night, your every action, every move was being tracked. Many people went to sleep after setting alarms to watch your performance," stated PM Modi.

He said the country not only successfully hosted Chess Olympiad but continuing its rich tradition in Chess, gave its best performance. "I also congratulate all players who participated and those who won medals at the Chess Olympiad," PM said.

This is the first time the Prime Minister physically interacted with winners of the Commonwealth Games after their spectacular performance in Birmingham. Earlier PM Modi had hosted the contingent of medal winners of Tokyo 2020 Olympic games.

PM Modi had already wished every athlete who won a medal for the country. The Prime Minister had turned to his official Twitter handle to congratulate Indian athletes after they bagged medals at the event. The prime minister also sent his wishes to those who failed to finish on the podium.

From July 28 to August 8, nearly 200 Indian athletes competed for medals across 16 different sports at the Commonwealth Games 2022 in Birmingham.

India wrapped up its Commonwealth Games 2022 campaign at fourth position with 61 medals (22 gold, 16 silver and 23 bronze). Wrestling topped the medal chart with 12 medals including six gold while weightlifting accounted for 10 medals.

India has delivered its fourth-best performance of all time in their Commonwealth Games history, with their best being a total of 101 medals when the games were held at home in 2010.

The Indian women's cricket team also created history as they won the silver medal in CWG's first-ever T20 event.

One of the major highlights of the mega event was the clinching of a gold medal by Nikhat Zareen.

After winning the medal in the final of the women's 50kg Light Flyweight category, Zareen said she is excited to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi and added that she will take his autograph on her boxing glove.

"I am very excited to meet Prime Minister Modi; I took a selfie with him last time and want a new one now. Last time, I took his autograph on my T-shirt, now I will take it on my boxing gloves," Nikhat Zareen had told ANI after winning the gold on August 07.

The Commonwealth Games 2022 came to an end with a stunning closing ceremony at the Alexander Stadium in Birmingham on Monday.

(ANI)

Also Read: PM Modi interacts with CWG 2022 Indian contingent: 'Golden age of Indian sports has just begun'