PM Narendra Modi interacts with India's Tokyo-bound athletes; promises to have ice-cream with PV Sindhu

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke with India's Olympic-bound athletes, wishing them success when they represent the country at Tokyo.

The PM, in a virtual interaction, also interacted with their parents, highlighting their journey to the Olympics which starts in 10 days.

Interestingly, Modi had an interesting proposition for one of India's top medal prospects in Badminton star PV Sindhu. The Rio 2016 silver-medallist had earlier said that her then-coach Pullela Gopichand had prohibited her from using mobile phones and eating icecreams at Rio.

Modi, remebering the comments, promised Sindhu that he will have an ice-cream with her once she returns from Tokyo.

"Sindhu ji, your parents have made a lot of sacrifices to help you reach where you are at the moment. They have done their job, now it is your turn to show what you are made of.

"Work hard and I am confident that you will be successful once again. And when you all come back from the Olympics, I will have ice-cream with you," Modi said in the video interaction.

Modi started the interaction by speaking to archers Pravin Jadhav and Deepika Kumari. Both the archers touched upon their struggle and journey to the Olympics in the convesation with the PM.

"During my last Mann ki Baat, I talked about you (Deepika Kumari) and the other athletes. You are now the world number one in rankings, the world would love to know about your journey," he had said.

"Don't be bogged down by expectations, just give your best," Modi said in the interaction.

He also spoke to star boxer MC Mary Kom and asked her about her favourite athlete and shot. The London 2012 bronze-medallist replied it was Muhammad Ali and the hook.

Star wrestler Vinesh Phogat, who will go into the women's 53kg freestyle event as the top seed, also interacted with the PM. She spoke about carrying the legacy of the Phogat family which has produced plenty of top International wrestlers and also revealed how she battled past a career-threatening injury she suffered at Rio 2016.

Javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra, one of India's best prospects in athletics, also got some advice from the PM. Modi asked him not to get throw off the pressure and aim to unleash his best.

"I have been told that you got injured, but still you created a new record. You don't need to get bogged down by expectations, don't take the burden of expectations, just focus on your goal."

Modi also spoke to table tennis paddlers Sharath Kamal and Manika Batra as well as Sajan Prakash, the first Indian swimmer to achieve the A qualification standard for the Olympics. He did so in the 200m butterfly event.

India hockey team captain Manpreet Singh was asked about how the team was preparing to live up to India's past Olympics record in the sport. India have won six gold medals in Hockey so far but the last one came in 1980.

Manpreet replied that the record was an inspiration rather than extra pressure.

Star Tennis player Sania Mirza was quizzed about the rise in popularity of the sport in rural areas of the country. She was also asked about her partnership with Ankita Raina with whom she will represent the country in women's doubles at Tokyo.

Sania replied that ever since the 2010 Commonwealth Games was staged in India, sports has been seen in a serious light in the country.

Modi also talked to the likes of ace shooter Elavenil Valarivan, boxer Ashish Kumar, sprinter Dutee Chand and more. A total of 126 athletes are set to travel to the Tokyo Olympics, representing India.