India ended the Tokyo Olympics with a record seven medals, including a Gold medal – the first for India in athletics, won by Neeraj Chopra in Javelin Throw; two Silvers by Ravi Kumar Dahiya (Wrestling 57 kgs) and Mirabai Chanu (Weight Lifting – 49 kgs Women); and four Bronze medals by P V Sindhu (Women’s Singles Badminton), Lovlina Borgohain (Women’s Welterweight Boxing), the Indian Hockey Team and Bajarang Punia (Wrestling – 65kgs). While these wins had all of India rejoicing, the community was even more elated as these victories were achieved under the astute and inspiring leadership of our very own Adille Sumariwalla, President of the Indian Olympic Association and Executive Board Member/ Jury Member for the Track and Field Sport, at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, as also the President of Athletics Federation of India and Council Member, World Athletics.
It was indeed a moment of great pride when the whole world viewed Olympic Gold Medalist – Neeraj Chopra being felicitated by Adille Sumariwalla, a dedicated sportsperson himself, during the awards ceremony and hearing our National Anthem being played at the most hallowed grail of sports… an unforgettable moment, to be etched in the memories of all Indians for a long, long time! And an equally touching and inspiring message by Adille Sumariwalla from Tokyo, which read:
“India’s 1st Olympic medal in Athletics – Gold for Neeraj Chopra in Javelin Throw. Today is truly a momentous day for Indian Athletics! My heartiest congratulations to Neeraj, coach Dr Klause and the entire support team of, doctors, physios, nutritionists and sports science specialists.
Ever since I assumed the position of President of the Athletics Federation of India in 2012, my single-minded focus has been on raising the standard of track and field performances in India, providing opportunities at grass roots level to as wide a base of potential athletes as possible and bringing India her first Olympic medal in Athletics.
My entire team at the Athletics Federation of India along with Dr Lalit Bhanot and I, with the support of the Sports Authority of India and the Dept of Sports, GOI, have worked tirelessly and consistently towards this goal. This medal brings with it a day of great jubilation and pride for me personally, for the Athletics Federation of India, for Indian Sport, and of course, for Neeraj and his family.
Since the age of eighteen, Athletics has been my life’s focus – as an Olympian athlete myself, as a coach who has trained an Olympian and as a sports administrator, both nationally and internationally. I could not have asked for a greater reward than to see an Indian Athlete stand on the Olympic podium for the very first time!
Congratulations TEAM INDIA, thank you for your tireless efforts. This is just the beginning of better things to come.”
Kudos to Team India and all those responsible for these wins, especially Adille Sumariwalla! Here’s looking forward to many more wins and exceptional performances in the 2024 Olympics in Paris!
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