Hima Das: Nikhat Zareen gifts PM Modi boxing gloves, Hima Das gives traditional gamocha

Indian athletes expressed happiness at being felicitated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi for their outstanding performance in the Commonwealth Games, with Nikhat Zareen gifting him his boxing gloves and sprinter Hima Das with a traditional Assamese gamocha. Modi hosted the Indian contingent at his residence on Saturday to felicitate the players.

Indian athletes put up a sensational performance in Birmingham to win 61 medals including 22 Gold, 16 Silver and 23 Bronze.

Nikhat tweeted, “Honoured to gift Hon’ble PM @narendramodi sir the boxing gloves signed by all the boxers. Thank you for this wonderful opportunity. Had a great day with my fellow athletes who made the nation proud has done.”

The world championship gold medalist star boxer won the yellow metal in her weight category at the Games.

Hima wrote on her Twitter handle, “Excited to receive blessings from our Honorable Prime Minister – Shri @narendramodi ji on the basis of Commonwealth Games 2022. Wrapped with immense gratitude from all over Assam to present him with our traditional Gamcha. Good luck.”

Champion weightlifter Mirabai Chanu, who won the gold medal without breaking a sweat a year after her historic silver at the Tokyo Olympics, thanked the PM for his words of encouragement.

“Felt honored to meet and interact with Hon’ble Prime Minister Narendra Modi sir. Thank you very much for all your support and encouragement. Jai Hind,” Chanu said.

Appreciating the stellar performance of the Indian contingent, the Prime Minister said that the golden era of Indian sports was knocking at the door.

Shuttler Chirag Shetty wrote on the microblogging site, “Thank you sir for giving your valuable time and inviting us to your residence. It was always a pleasure to talk with you.”

His young badminton colleague Lakshya Sen, who won the men’s singles title in a spectacular fashion, also expressed his gratitude for being felicitated by the PM.

“A great day #gratitude to all the athletes. Thank you so much for appreciating our hard work and the words of encouragement. We are all so grateful for your support. Will continue to make our country proud. Jai Hind!” Sen tweeted.

Star Indian para table tennis player Bhavna Patel, who won a gold medal in the women’s singles category 3-5, described her interaction with Modi as inspiring.

“Meeting Hon’ble PM @narendramodi ji once again, interacting with him and seeking blessings was as inspiring and motivating as ever. His keen interest in our performances and detailed interactions is very gratifying!” Bhavina said.

After the felicitation program, the Prime Minister said, “CWG 2022 will always be remembered for its memorable performance and diversification in our quest for excellence.”

Originally published at Pen 18