PM Modi tells Rio-bound athletes, victory and setbacks part of life

India might be medal-less in the ongoing Olympics so far, but Prime Minister Narendra Modi said the athletes competing in Rio should not get disheartened as "victory and setbacks are all a part of life".

Responding to cricket icon and the Olympic contingent's goodwill ambassador Sachin Tendulkar's request for encouraging words, Modi said the athletes should only focus on giving their best.

"I appreciate the thought of @sachin_rt but I want to add-why wait for 15th August to speak about the subject. I want to do so now," the Prime Minister wrote on his official Twitter handle.

Applauding the hard work of the athletes, Modi asked them not to get burdened by thinking about the result.

"India is phenomenally proud of all our athletes in Rio & their hardwork that got them there. Victory & setbacks are all a part of life," Modi tweeted.


"I urge all athletes who have their games remaining to give their best & play with determination, not get burdened by what the result will be.

"The endurance, determination & dedication of every Indian athlete who is in Rio makes us very proud. They are India's pride," the Prime Minister further wrote.