New Delhi, July 31.- The Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi, said today that the national delegation to compete at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games is the largest in the history of the country and wished success to the athletes.
I hope these 119 athletes achieve success in the summer games and win the hearts of people arriving in the Brazilian city from several parts of the world, Modi said during an event at the Dhyan Chand National Stadium. Our country has been linked to the Olympic Games for more than a century, but it is the first time we sent such a high number of athletes, he reiterated.
Sport is necessary for life, said the prime minister, who stressed the support of his government for the athletes who will participate in the event, to start next August 5.
The group will include, among others, the wrestler Narsingh Yadav, bronze medalist at the last world championship; the shooter Gagan Narang, third in London 2012, and Deepika Kumari, recurve men's team silver medal at Copenhagen 2015 World Archery championship.
Days ago Modi met in the capital Manekshaw Centre with about 60 of those athletes, wishing them success.
In his official Twitter page, the head of government posted several photos with athletes, coaches and national executives.