Prime Minister Narendra Modi met with the Indian contingent that participated in the Paris Olympics 2024 at his residence in New Delhi, praising their performances and emphasizing the value of their experiences. Modi specifically highlighted wrestler Vinesh Phogat’s historic achievement of becoming the first Indian woman to reach the wrestling finals, despite her subsequent disqualification due to weight issues.’Vinesh became the first Indian woman to reach the final in wrestling, which is a matter of great pride for all of us,’ Modi stated. He encouraged athletes who didn’t win medals to view their participation as a learning experience, saying, ‘First of all, those who have lost should take this out of their mind that they have lost. You have held the national flag high and you have learnt something’.The Indian team concluded their Olympic campaign with six medals, including one silver and five bronze. Shooter Manu Bhaker made history by becoming the first Indian athlete in the post-independence era to win two medals in a single edition of the Olympics.Meanwhile, in a separate development, Australian breakdancer Raygun faced significant criticism for her performance at the Paris Olympics. Raygun spoke out against the ‘devastating’ hate she received, saying, ‘I had not understood that this would open the door to so much hate, which has been truly devastating’. The controversy escalated when Richard ‘Crazy Legs’ Colón, a breakdancing pioneer, criticized Raygun’s performance, stating she was ‘on the wrong stage’.In response to the backlash, Australian swimmer and four-time Olympic champion Ariarne Titmus expressed support for Raygun, emphasizing the need for empathy and team spirit. The Australian Olympic Committee has defended Raygun’s selection and condemned the harassment she has faced.These contrasting stories highlight the complex emotions and challenges that often accompany Olympic performances, from the pride of national achievements to the pressures faced by individual athletes on the global stage.
Key points
- Prime Minister Modi praised the Indian Olympic contingent, highlighting Vinesh Phogat’s historic achievement despite her disqualification.
- India secured six medals at the Paris Olympics, including one silver and five bronze.
- Australian breakdancer Raygun faced severe criticism for her Olympic performance, sparking debates about athlete treatment and support.
Contradictions👾While PM Modi praised Vinesh Phogat’s achievement, her disqualification and subsequent retirement announcement present a conflicting narrative about her Olympic experience.
