Famous Indian cricketer Virat Kohli extended a special wish to the Indian athletes gearing up for the Paris Olympics 2024. The mega tournament is set to commence on July 26 and will continue until August 11. Kohli’s video message, shared on social media, was aimed at motivating and cheering on the Indian sporting stars who have dedicated immense effort to reach this prestigious global stage.

India’s global rise

In his message, Kohli reflected on India’s evolution and success across various fields. He remarked, “India, Bharat, Hindustan. There was a time when the world could only think of India as a land of snake charmers and elephants. Over time, that has changed. Today we are known to the world as the largest democracy. A global tech hub. We are known for cricket, for Bollywood, for start-up unicorns, and as the fastest growing economy in the world,” Kohli emphasized the nation’s progress and its growing influence on the global stage.

Encouraging words for athletes by Virat Kohli

Kohli acknowledged the excitement and nervousness that accompany such a significant event. He urged Indians to fully support and remember the athletes who are representing the nation. “So, what is the next big thing for this great nation? Well, there will be more gold, more silver, and more bronze. Our brothers and sisters are headed to Paris hungry for medals. A billion of us will be watching them nervous and excited as our athletes set foot on the tracks, fields, courts, and more. Every neighborhood, every corner of India, you will hear a chorus of voices chanting India, India, India!”

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Call for national unity

Kohli further called upon all Indians to join him in supporting the athletes with unwavering pride and determination. “Join me in remembering their faces as they inch closer to the podium with the dogged determination of waving the Tiranga with pride,” Kohli concluded, highlighting the collective hope and pride of the nation.

Olympic gold Medalist Neeraj Chopra’s reply

In a little over a minute-long video post on social media, featuring some Paris-bound athletes like javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra and boxing hope Nishant Dev, Kohli said it is time for India to be recognized as a global sporting powerhouse. This message resonated with many, further igniting the spirit of unity and support for the athletes heading to Paris. Neeraj, one of the two Indians with an individual Olympic medal, responded to Kohli, saying, “Thank you for your support, Virat bhai.”

Thank you for your support, @imVkohli bhai. 🙏🇮🇳

— Neeraj Chopra (@Neeraj_chopra1) July 15, 2024

Training and medal hopes

Most of the Indian competitors are currently training abroad and will head to the French capital from their respective bases. India’s medal hopes will rest on shooting, badminton, wrestling, and boxing, aside from the high expectations in athletics, particularly for a second success from javelin thrower Neeraj. These sports have consistently brought laurels to the country, and the athletes are rigorously preparing to elevate India’s standing in the global sports arena.

Indian contingent for Paris Olympics 2024

A total of 118 athletes, including 48 women, across 16 sports disciplines will represent India at the Paris Olympics. Out of these 118 athletes, 26 are from the Khelo India program, and 72 athletes have qualified for the Olympic Games for the first time. This diverse and determined team is set to make the nation proud on the world’s biggest sporting stage.

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