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PM Modi Praises Indian-Origin Stars Lighting Up T20 World Cup for USA, Canada, Oman

Prime Minister Narendra Modi used his Mann Ki Baat address to applaud cricketers of Indian origin who are representing countries like the USA, Canada, and Oman in the ongoing T20 World Cup. He specifically named players such as Canada's captain Dilpreet Bajwa and USA's Monank Patel, noting their Indian roots and domestic cricket backgrounds. Modi emphasized that these athletes bring pride to their adopted nations while remaining connected to their Indian heritage, calling it a special quality of "Indianness." Although the teams of USA, Canada, and Oman did not qualify for the Super 8 stage, they showcased competitive spirit against top global teams.

Key Points: Modi Hails Indian-Origin Cricketers in T20 World Cup

  • Celebrates diaspora cricketers
  • Highlights global Indian success
  • Notes players' connection to roots
  • Lists key athletes by team
3 min read

Mann Ki Baat: PM Modi hails Indian origin players in USA, Canada, Oman making their mark at T20 WC

PM Modi's Mann Ki Baat celebrates players of Indian descent representing USA, Canada, and Oman, highlighting their global success and connection to roots.

"The jersey may belong to another country, but on hearing their name, you realise that he is from our country. - PM Modi"

New Delhi, February 22

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday spoke about on going ICC Men's T20 World Cup and hailed Indian origin cricketers playing for the USA, Canada, and Oman who are making their mark at the event.

Addressing the nation in the 131st episode of his weekly radio programme, 'Mann Ki Baat', PM Modi noted many players of Indian descent represent other countries, Canada's captain Dilpreet Bajwa, Navneet Dhaliwal, Harsh Thaker, Shreyas Movva; USA's Monank Patel, Saurabh Ranjane, Harmeet Singh, Milind Kumar; Oman's Jatinder Singh, Vinayak Shukla, Karan Sonavale, Jay Odedra, Ashish Odedara.

PM Modi said numerous athletes of Indian heritage are bringing pride to the countries they represent, highlighting how their success is clearly visible in global sporting events, saying wherever they go, Indians remain connected to the roots of their motherland.

"I often say that the one who plays, blooms sports unites us too. You must be watching the T20 World Cup matches these days. I am sure that while watching the match, you must be eyeing a particular player. The jersey may belong to another country, but on hearing their name, you realise that he is from our country. These moments give you a slight happiness because the player is of Indian origin and is playing for the country where his family is settled. They step onto the field wearing the jersey of their country and wholeheartedly represent that country. Canada's team has the highest number of Indian-origin players," PM Modi said.

"Canada's captain Dilpreet Bajwa was in Punjab's Gurdaspur, and Navneet Dhaliwal is from Chandigarh. This list includes many names like Harsh Thaker and Shreyas Movva, who are making India and Canada proud. America's team has many players from Bharat's domestic cricket. American captain Monank Patel has played for Gujarat's under-16 and under 18 teams, Mumbai's Saurabh, Harmeet Singh and Delhi's Milind Kumar are all prides of the American team. Many players who have played in different states of Bharat are now part of Oman's team. Jatinder Singh, Vinayak Shukla, Karan, Jai and Ashish are strong players of the Oman cricket team.

PM Modi said that Indian origin players are also creating a place for themselves in the teams of New Zealand, UAE and Italy. "Many such Indian origin players are bringing pride to their countries and becoming an inspiration for the youth there. This is the speciality of Indianness. Wherever they go, Indians remain connected to the roots of their motherland. And they also contribute to the delicacy of their workplace, that is, the country in which they live," he added.

Even though the USA, Canada, and Oman didn't qualify for the Super 8, they put up a brilliant fight against top global teams. The USA won 2 of their 4 group-stage matches, while Canada and Oman couldn't open their account, losing all 4 fixtures.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
As an NRI in Canada, this resonates deeply. My kids were cheering for Team Canada because of players like Bajwa. It's a beautiful blend of our heritage and our new home. Makes the World Cup more exciting to watch!
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Vikram M
While it's nice to see them get recognition, I do wish some of this talent was playing for India. Our domestic circuit is so competitive, many good players don't get a chance and end up representing other nations. A bit of a mixed feeling, honestly.
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Priya S
Absolutely love this! It shows how sports transcend borders. These players are ambassadors of Indian skill and hard work. Whether it's USA, Canada, or Oman, they are making their mark and that's what matters. Jai Hind!
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Rohit P
Good initiative by PM to highlight this. But I hope the focus also remains on developing cricket infrastructure *within* India, especially in smaller towns. We have a massive pool of talent that needs support right here.
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Nikhil C
This is the soft power of India at play! Cricket is our biggest export after IT professionals 😄. Seriously though, it helps popularize the sport in new countries and strengthens our global community. Win-win!

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