PM Modi shares a laugh with India’s Olympians: ‘who all cursed me for lack of ACs in Paris?’, he asks

Prime Minister Modi hosts Indian Olympic contingent, shares light-hearted moments, and discusses future Olympic hosting plans.

Lakshya Sen revealed how his phone was taken away by strict coach Prakash Padukone, hockey captain Harmanpreet Singh talked about his team's thrilling run while everyone shared a good laugh on the air conditioning woes in Paris when Prime Minister Narendra Modi hosted a reception for the Indian contingent after its fairly decent Olympic campaign.

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The Prime Minister hosted the Indian contingent after the Independence Day celebrations at Red Fort, where too the athletes were in attendance on Thursday (August 15, 2024).

The video of the interaction was shared by Mr. Modi and the athletes could be seen having one-on-one chats with the PM.

In one such conversation with Lakshya, who finished fourth in the men's singles badminton competition, Mr. Modi said: "When I met Lakshya for the first time, he was very small but now he has grown up. Do you know, this time you have become a celebrity? To this, Lakshya replied: "Yes sir. But during matches Prakash Sir took my phone and told me till the matches are over, you won't get your phone. But after that I got to know the support I got.

"It was a learning experience and little heart-breaking as well because I came so close," said the 22-year-old who lost from a position of strength in the bronze playoff.

A laughing Mr. Modi instantly said: "Prakash Sir was so disciplined and strict, I will send him the next time as well." The Paris Olympics were promoted as eco-friendly Games. So, there were no air conditioners in any rooms in the Games village, forcing the sports ministry to dispatch 40 portable ACs on an urgent basis for their comfortable stay.