Shri Anurag Singh Thakur interacts with sports champions invited as special guests for Republic Day
Athletes have helped India to strengthen its soft power: Shri Anurag Singh Thakur
By PIB Delhi
Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports, Shri Anurag Singh Thakur on the eve of Republic Day interacted with the sports champions invited by the Government of India as special guests at the Republic Day celebrations in New Delhi.
Speaking at the occasion Shri Anurag Singh Thakur said that India is moving forward in every direction and India’s economy has become the fifth largest economy in the world. He also added that under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi India will become the third-largest economy in the next five years. He also said that the stories of athletes are very inspirational and the success stories of athletes inspire other sportspersons.
He also said that India has strengthened itself in terms of security and because of contributions from athletes, India has also strengthened its soft power. He also thanked the athletes for coming as guests in the Republic Day celebrations at the invitation of the President of India and Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi.
Athletes participating in the interaction thanked the Union Minister and the Government of India for inviting them to be part of the Republic Day celebrations at Kartavya Path tomorrow.
Speaking about his journey from watching the Republic Day celebrations on television to witnessing it in real Indian boxer Shri Gaurav Bhaduri shared that he is very excited to be part of this Republic Day celebration and he thanked the Government of India for helping him realise this childhood dream.
Indian Paralympian and shooter Shri Singhraj Adhana shared his journey about being a shooter and praised TOPS and Khelo India programme which is making it possible for athletes from across India to realise their potential in sports.
A total of 12 athletes have been invited to witness the Republic Day celebrations as special guests.
