As India celebrated Independence Day on Thursday, August 15, 2024, athletes from across the nation took to social media to express their patriotism and reflect on their roles in representing the country globally.
Several prominent athletes, both current and retired, shared their thoughts and experiences on this significant day. Among them were Neeraj Chopra, Abhinav Bindra, Mary Kom, PT Usha, and PR Sreejesh, who posted messages ranging from simple greetings to deeper reflections on their journeys as Indian sports icons.
Neeraj Chopra, the Indian javelin thrower who secured a silver medal at Paris 2024 following his gold at Tokyo 2020, posted a message in Hindi that translates to “Best wishes for Independence Day. Jai Hind!”
Abhinav Bindra, a legendary Indian shooter who recently received the prestigious Olympic Order from the International Olympic Committee (IOC), encouraged unity and forward momentum. He urged everyone to honor the path that led to our freedom and the spirit that drives us forward. Together, let’s create a future filled with hope, opportunities, and a collective passion for achieving greatness. Jai Hind!
The Indian men’s hockey team participated in the Independence Day ceremony at the Red Fort in New Delhi. Notable players like PR Sreejesh and Jarmanpreet Singh shared photos and messages from the event, while Paris 2024 equestrian Anush Agarwalla was also present at the Red Fort.
PT Usha, one of India’s most celebrated track athletes and the current president of the Indian Olympic Association (IOA), called on her fellow citizens to remember the sacrifices made by freedom fighters. She conveyed her wishes to all Indians on the 78th Independence Day, urging everyone to remember the sacrifices of our freedom leaders as we raise our flag high. She called on the nation to uphold the core values that define Bharat and to continue marching toward prosperity and success as one united nation.
India’s most successful boxer, Mary Kom, and Saina Nehwal, the first Indian Olympic medallist in badminton, urged their fellow citizens to cherish the value of freedom.
Other athletes, including former Indian women’s hockey team captain Rani Rampal, tennis stars Rohan Bopanna, Sania Mirza, and Sumit Nagal, as well as table tennis player Sreeja Akula and shuttler HS Prannoy, also shared their thoughts on social media.
The theme for India’s 78th Independence Day, “Viksit Bharat 2047,” emphasizes the nation’s vision of becoming a developed country by 2047.
