Inside PM Modi’s quiet, powerful influence on India’s sporting spirit

Narrators recall PM Narendra Modi’s rare blend of empathy and leadership that shaped some of the most defining moments in sports, where his words and actions lifted them through defeat, injury, and the toughest phases of their sporting journeys

‘True leaders don’t just celebrate wins but also heal defeats’ - Mithali Raj, Former India skipper, Women’s cricket team

still remember that day vividly — the air was thick with emotion, and our hearts were heavy. We had come so close to winning the 2017 World Cup, only to fall short in the final. The pain of that loss was raw. As captain of the Indian women’s cricket team, I felt the weight of our collective disappointment. We had given everything, yet the trophy had slipped through our fingers. When we were invited to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi at his residence, I assumed it would be a brief, formal interaction — perhaps 15 or 20 minutes over tea and a photo-op. We were still nursing our wounds, unsure of what to expect. But the moment we entered, something shifted. He welcomed us not as defeated athletes, but as champions in our own right. He encouraged us to speak freely, to ask questions, to share our thoughts. That openness was unexpected, and it created space for vulnerability. One of my teammates, her voice trembling, finally broke the silence. “Sir, we lost the World Cup finals. We’re sorry for disappointing you and the nation. We played well but lost.” Her words echoed what all of us felt. The room was silent, the pain palpable. And then, the Prime Minister responded with a calm and empathy that I’ll never forget. “You may not have won the World Cup,” he said, “but you have won the hearts of the people.”

Those words hit me like a wave. In that moment, I realised that leadership isn’t just about strategy or speeches — it’s about understanding, about lifting others when they’re at their lowest. He reminded us that our journey had inspired millions, that our performance had transformed the landscape of women’s cricket in India. He wasn’t just speaking to one player — he was speaking to all of us. To the girl who had trained in silence, to the bowler who had fought through injury, to the batter who had carried the hopes of a nation. His words didn’t erase the pain of defeat, but they gave it meaning. They helped us see beyond the scoreboard. I walked out of that room with a renewed sense of pride. We hadn’t failed — we had sparked something powerful. We had shown young girls across the country that their dreams were valid, that they belonged on that field just as much as anyone else. That meeting became more valuable than any medal. It reaffirmed our purpose and reignited our passion. True leadership, I learned that day, reveals itself not in moments of triumph, but in how it responds to heartbreak. And in that moment, Prime Minister Modi reminded us that we were more than cricketers — we were role models, trailblazers, and symbols of hope.

‘KIND OF LEADERSHIP ATHLETES NEED’ - PV Sindhu, Badminton player

In sports, winning medals is important — but so is feeling supported and appreciated. For many athletes, the journey is full of hard work, sacrifices, and tough moments. That’s why encouragement from leaders means so much, especially when things don’t go as planned.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has always shown that he understands this. He doesn’t just celebrate victories — he also values the effort behind every performance. His words often lift athletes when they’re feeling low, reminding them that their dedication matters. One thing he often says is, “Getting a medal itself is a big thing.” Even if someone doesn’t win gold or misses a medal by a small margin, he still appreciates their spirit and hard work. That kind of support makes a big difference. I remember one moment clearly — after the 2021 Olympics, the Indian women’s team met the Prime Minister. We had finished fourth, just missing a medal. Everyone was disappointed. But PM Modi welcomed us warmly and said, “It doesn’t matter, you have done really well.” He spoke to us with pride, as if we had won gold. That changed the mood completely. His words reminded us that we had made the country proud, even without a medal. He didn’t see us as players who lost — he saw us as athletes who gave everything for India. For me, and for many others, this kind of appreciation means everything. It shows that our leaders care not just about results, but about the journey. It motivates us to keep going, to train harder, and to aim higher. PM Modi’s support is not just about big speeches or public praise. It’s about understanding what athletes go through — the early mornings, the injuries, the pressure. When he speaks to us, it feels personal. It feels real. That’s the kind of leadership athletes need. Someone who sees the effort, not just the outcome. Someone who reminds us that we matter — win or lose. And when that happens, it gives us the strength to keep chasing our dreams.

‘PM Modi’s one decision changed my journey’ - Mirabai Chanu, Weightlifter

Before the Tokyo Olympics, I found myself at a difficult crossroads. An injury had disrupted my training, and with the pandemic tightening its grip on the world, everything felt uncertain. Travel restrictions were in place, and I knew that to recover properly and prepare for the Olympics, I needed to go abroad — to the U.S., where I could access the best facilities and medical support. We submitted a request to the government, hoping for permission to travel. Honestly, I didn’t expect a quick response. The world was dealing with so much, and I was just one athlete trying to find a way forward. But within a day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi approved our request. That moment changed everything for me. It wasn’t just about getting the green light to travel — it was about feeling supported, trusted, and valued. That decision gave me the strength to push through the pain and focus on my goal. I trained hard, recovered well, and returned stronger than ever. Winning a medal at the Olympics was a dream come true. But what made it even more special was knowing that my country had stood behind me when I needed it most. After the Games, Prime Minister Modi personally congratulated me. He didn’t just offer kind words — he asked about my journey, gave suggestions, and showed genuine interest in my growth as an athlete. That kind of encouragement means everything. It’s not just about recognition — it’s about knowing that someone believes in you, that your efforts matter. For me, that belief came from the highest level of leadership, and it made all the difference. “This is all that a player wants from the leadership,” I said — and I meant it. Support, trust, and appreciation. These are the things that fuel us, especially when the path gets tough.

I feel blessed — not just because I won a medal, but because I was given the chance to fight for it. That trust, that timely support, became the foundation of my strength. And today, when I look back, I see more than a podium. I see a journey shaped by resilience, belief, and the quiet power of leadership that lifts you when you need it most.

COMPILED AND EDITED BY SHASHIKANT SHARMA