'Why PM Modi was not there in our era', Olympic medalist Malleswari shares what changed after 2014

IANS May 20, 2025 294 views

Karnam Malleswari, India's first female Olympic medalist, highlighted the remarkable transformation in sports support under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership. She shared a personal experience of how Modi personally acknowledged her request and visited her sports academy, something unimaginable before 2014. Malleswari emphasized the significant shift in how athletes are now recognized, supported, and celebrated in India. Her heartfelt narrative underscores the changing landscape of sports recognition and athlete empowerment in the country.

"Why there was no leader like PM Modi during our era" - Karnam Malleswari
'Why PM Modi was not there in our era', Olympic medalist Malleswari shares what changed after 2014
New Delhi, May 20: India's first female Olympic medalist, Karnam Malleswari, was left ecstatic and overjoyed when Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid a visit to her sports academy in Haryana's Yamunanagar, and conveyed his best wishes and support in the grooming of aspiring sportspersons at her training institute.

Key Points

1

First female Olympic medalist shares transformative sports support experience

2

Modi personally acknowledges and encourages athletes

3

Dramatic change in sports ecosystem post-2014

4

Personal interaction with PM motivates sportspersons

Malleswari, the country's weightlifting icon, on Tuesday shared an instance of the changing dynamics and support apparatus for various sports after 2014, when Narendra Modi became Prime Minister, and also went to rue as to why the sportsmen of her era didn't have the support of a warm and affable leader like him.

In a video shared by Modi Story, a popular social media handle on X, Karnam Malleswari recounts how her request to PM Modi was immediately acknowledged and responded to. She also explains how PM Modi's encouraging words pump up the sportsmen and also how his comforting words mean a lot to them in troubled times.

"Before 2014, athletes chased their dreams in silence - training hard, winning medals, yet receiving little support. Today, PM Modi not only sees their struggles - he stands by them, supports them, and celebrates their spirit," the Modi Story wrote on X.

Sharing her story, Malleswari said, "I wrote a letter to PM Modi, seeking his visit to my Sports Academy in Yamunangar. But I was doubtful about it, given his busy schedule. One Sunday, I received a call from the Prime Minister's Office and was told that my letter had been acknowledged and that he would be meeting me very soon."

"The day I met PM Modi was very special. He not only reassured us of all support but also made us feel comfortable. He touched my forehead and gave us all his blessings," she said, recounting the last month's event.

She further said that before 2014, the sporting fraternity had to struggle a lot, but now the focus on games and sports has seen a 360-degree change.

"PM Modi himself takes the lead, meets sportspersons and pats their back and even consoles them in difficult times. This makes me feel as to -- why there was no leader like PM Modi during our era," she said in the video.

Karnam, a two-time world champion and a two-time Asian Games silver medal winner, holds the distinguished honour of being the first woman from India to win a medal at the Olympics. She bagged the bronze medal at the Sydney 2000 Olympics.

She has been conferred with numerous prestigious awards by the Indian government, including the Arjuna Award (1994), Khel Ratna (1999) and the Padma Shri (1999).

Reader Comments

R
Rajesh K.
So proud of Malleswari ji! Her achievements paved the way for today's athletes. While it's true that sports infrastructure has improved, let's not forget the champions who succeeded against all odds in earlier times. 🙏
P
Priya M.
As someone from Haryana, I've seen firsthand how sports culture has transformed here. More girls are taking up sports seriously now. The PM's personal attention does make a difference in motivating young athletes.
A
Amit S.
While I appreciate the current support, we must acknowledge that sports development is a continuous process. Many governments before 2014 also contributed to sports infrastructure. Let's give credit where it's due.
N
Neha T.
Malleswari's story is inspiring! But I hope this support reaches athletes at the grassroots level across all states, not just the medal winners. Every budding sportsperson deserves encouragement. 🏋️‍♀️
V
Vikram J.
The personal touch matters so much! When leaders show genuine interest in sports, it changes the entire ecosystem. Hope this momentum continues and we produce many more Olympic champions.
S
Sunita R.
As a former athlete myself, I understand Malleswari's emotions. But we must also recognize the coaches and local supporters who stood by athletes when there was little institutional support. They're the real heroes behind many success stories.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Leave a Comment

Your email won't be published


Disclaimer: Comments here reflect the author's views alone. Insulting or using offensive language against individuals, communities, religion, or the nation is illegal.

Tags:
Karnam Malleswari Olympic Medal Narendra Modi Indian Sports Weightlifting Athletes Support