Sports Icons Shower PM Modi with Birthday Wishes
Gavaskar, Mirza, and more celebrate PM Modi’s 75th birthday.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi celebrated his 75th birthday, prompting an outpouring of heartfelt wishes from India’s sporting legends, who praised his leadership and personal engagement with athletes. Born in Vadnagar, Gujarat, Mr. Modi has served as India’s Prime Minister since May 26, 2014, and his milestone birthday drew accolades from icons like Sunil Gavaskar, Sania Mirza, and Anil Kumble for his transformative impact on Indian sports.
Cricket legend Sunil Gavaskar led the tributes, wishing Mr. Modi a “long, healthy, productive life” and expressing confidence that his vision for a Viksit Bharat (Developed India) will be realized ahead of schedule. Fellow cricketing great Virender Sehwag lauded Mr. Modi’s focus on sports, noting the increased Sports Ministry budget and India’s rising Olympic success under his leadership. “He has strived to take India forward in the world of sports,” Sehwag said, extending wishes for good health.
Double Olympic medalist Manu Bhaker, who made history at the 2024 Paris Olympics, shared personal anecdotes of her interactions with Mr. Modi. “He’s a very welcoming person, showing keen interest in your journey,” she said, recalling how Mr. Modi inquired about her recovery from challenges faced at the Tokyo Olympics. Her comments underscored Mr. Modi’s ability to connect with athletes on a personal level, fostering resilience and motivation.
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Sania Mirza, former tennis doubles World No. 1, called her interactions with Mr. Modi “nothing short of inspiring.” She highlighted his personal interest in athletes’ lives and his unwavering support for Indian sportspersons, making him a role model for the sporting community.
Similarly, Anil Kumble, India’s highest wicket-taker, praised Mr. Modi’s presence during both triumphs and setbacks. “When India lost the 2023 World Cup final, he was in the dressing room, putting an arm around the players’ shoulders,” Kumble said, noting how this support spurred India’s T20 World Cup victory in 2024.
These tributes reflect Mr. Modi’s deep influence on Indian sports, blending policy support with personal encouragement, as celebrated by some of the nation’s most iconic athletes on his 75th birthday.
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