Rio 2016 Olympics: Wishes pour in as countdown begins

Shooter Apurvi Chandela takes a selfie with Prime Minister Narendra Modi at a send-off ceremony for the India contingent for the Rio Games in New Delhi on Monday

Barely a month short of the Olympics, a confident-looking Rio-bound Indian contingent are ready to go into their final practice drills before taking the test awaiting them this August.

Over 60 Rio-bound athletes — shooters, archers, walkers, boxers and wrestlers — gathered here in the capital as they received wishes and words of encouragement from Prime Minister Narendra Modi and former Olympians.

London bronze medallist grappler Yogeshwar Dutt said meeting the Prime Minister was “encouraging”.

“It was great gesture from our Prime Minister to wish athletes personally. Something like this has never happened. So, it’s a great encouragement for all of us.”

Two-time world championship bronze medallist shuttler P.V. Sindhu added, “It was very motivating and encouraging, hope to bring at least two-three medals, from the Rio Games.”

During the event, Olympians Association of India — a non-profit organisation — was launched which will have former Olympians Shiva Keshavan (luge), Adille Sumariwala (athletics), M.C. Mary Kom (boxing) among others as its members.

Olympics is about mental challenge: Rathore Athens silver medallist shooter Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore said the athletes needed to shut out the hype surrounding their participation.

“We are sending a strong contingent. Just go there and create as many winning chances. You all have been performing globally throughout the year, so once you go there, do not treat this as something else and shut out all the unnecessary hype, and focus solely on the Games. Olympics is lot about mental challenge,” Rathore said.

“You are ambassadors of this country in Rio. A lot of people will want you to win and you will feel the pressure, but give your best shot. I am hopeful that we will have lot more medallists than the last time,” he said.

On the new body, Rathore said: “In a country with such huge population, it is sad that we don’t have enough medallists, we are not organised but we have huge potential. I believe with OAI coming up, it would be much more organised now.

“OAI can bring education online which will help the young athletes to continue with their passions while not compromising on their education.”

Dutt eyes golden swansong Being the senior-most member of the eight-member wrestling contingent, Yogeshwar is aware of the pressure of leading a team. He believes he can live up to expectations and bring home a gold at his final Olympics. “I am happy with the preparations I have done and I am ready to go,” said Yogeshwar, who will compete in the men’s 65kg freestyle category in his fourth Games at Rio de Janeiro.

“Pressure is there on all of us as the expectations are high, but we have to cope with it and do well. I have always performed well under pressure. This time also I am confident of winning a medal.”

“Since the last Games, I have had injuries and five operations... but I have never given up hope. These phases in life make one stronger. I will try to make Rio an unforgettable experience.” On the tussle between double Olympic medallist Sushil Kumar and Narsingh Yadav over Rio slot in 74kg, Yogeshwar admitted the episode was a distraction for the wrestlers, especially for Narsingh.

“It doesn’t matter who goes to Rio. But whoever goes should win a medal. It’s all for the country,” he said.