Modi praises athletes for excellent performances at CWG (Lead)

New Delhi April 29 (IANS) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday congratulated the Indian athletes especially women for their "excellent performances" at the 2018 Commonwealth Games (CWG) saying there were many path-breaking achievements.

Appreciating table tennis player Manika Batra s performance Modi in his monthly radio programme "Mann Ki Baat" said: "Our women athletes have made us proud.

"This edition of the games was special on one more count - a majority of the medalists were women athletes. In squash boxing weightlifting and shooting the performance of women turned out to be par excellence. "

He also remarked on the final contest in badminton which took place between two Indian shuttlers Saina Nehwal and P.V. Sindhu.

"Everyone was thrilled for the fact that despite there being competition the ultimate medal winner had to be India. The whole country watched it with abated breath. I too enjoyed watching the match " Modi said.

He said that India s performance in the Games was special as there were many path-breaking "firsts".

"Are you aware that of the wrestlers who represented India each one returned with a medal?" Modi asked. He said that players lived up to "our expectations" and went on a medal winning spree.

India bagged 66 medals -- 26 gold 20 silver 20 bronze. "This success makes every Indian swell with pride."

He admired the performance of sprinters Mohammad Anas and Hema Das who missed the top spot narrowly.

He appreciated the efforts and contribution of the athletes parents guardians coaches support staff schools teachers and friends for encouraging them.

--IANS
akk/ksk/mr