'Let's cheer': PM Modi urges countrymen to encourage Indian athletes at Tokyo Olympics

Speaking at his monthly radio address Mann Ki Baat, PM Modi said: "At the Tokyo Olympics, watching Indian sportspersons march carrying the Tricolour exhilarated not just me but the entire country…as if the whole country unitedly exhorted her warriors saying, “Vijayi Bhava – emerge victorious!”

"These sportspersons have reached where they are after overcoming numerous hurdles in life. Today, they possess the strength of your love and support – that’s why, come…let us together extend our good wishes to all of them; encourage them," the PM said.

He also urged the listeners to join a campaign on social media to support the athletes. "On social  media, our Victory Punch Campaign for the support of Olympics sportspersons has begun. Do share your Victory Punch with your team.... Cheer for India," he said.

True to the expectation, Saikhom Mirabai Chanu  from Manipur won the first medal for India  bagging a silver in 49 kg women weight lifting  while the country had a mixed luck in other events on the second day of the 2020 Tokyo Olympics Saturday.

Chanu, the only Indian competitor in weight lifting  who returned empty handed from last Olympics at Rio, made amends this time and displayed tremendous grit and determination  to clinch the second spot lifting  a total of 210 kgs ( clean & jerk 87 and snatch 115) behind Hou Zhihui of China .

Following the win, PM Modi had tweeted: "Could not have asked for a happier start to @Tokyo2020! India is elated by@mirabai_chanu’s stupendous performance. Congratulations to her for winning the Silver medal in weightlifting. Her success motivates every Indian. #Cheer4India #Tokyo2020."