Tokyo Olympics: Medalists receive a hero’s reception as they land in India

Tokyo Olympics: Medalists receive a hero’s reception as they land in India

Neeraj Chopra, PR Sreejesh and Lovlina Borgohain

India’s campaign at the Tokyo Olympics came to an end on the penultimate day of the sporting extravaganza in style. With Neeraj Chopra‘s historic gold medal in the men’s javelin throw, India registered its best-ever performance at the Olympic Games with seven medals.

Toppling its London Olympics tally of 6 medals, India scripted history at Tokyo with a gold, two silvers and four bronze medals to show for their efforts. While India expected the medal tally to breach the two-digit mark this time around, it was not to be the case but the Indian athletes impressed one and all with their showing.

Tokyo Olympics heroes receive a grand reception

Indian Athletic Team returns from Tokyo Olympics
Indian Athletic Team

The heroes of the 32nd Olympic Games landed in India on Monday and they received a reception befitting their efforts and achievement. The New Delhi airport was filled with supporters awaiting a glimpse of their heroes. The athletes were welcomed by a Sports Authority of India (SAI) delegation headed by its Director-General Sandeep Pradhan, who was accompanied by the Athletics Federation of India head Adille Sumariwala.

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The gathered crowd were ecstatic as the athletes made their way through. People danced, sang and screamed their lungs out to show their appreciation for the medal winners. The athletes were presented with garlands and bouquets on arrival and were applauded by the airport staff as they made their way out to utter chaos into a sea of supporters.

While India returned with seven medals, Neeraj Chopra stole the spotlight with a historic gold medal on the penultimate day of the event. India’s first Olympic medalist in track and field events received the grandest of receptions at the Delhi airport. Chopra struggled to make his way to his car as thousands eagerly waited outside for a glimpse of the hero.

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“Happy with the medal but will work harder and try to improve on the mistakes I made this time,” bronze medalist Bajrang Punia shared on his way out. Punia put up a stunning show in the bronze medal match to earn his maiden Olympic medal.

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All medal winners are to be felicitated by Sports Minister Anurag Thakur at the Ashoka Hotel in the evening. The Indian hockey team, both men’s and women’s, along with Neeraj, Bajrang, Deepak Punia and Lovlina Borgohain have already reached the hotel for the ceremony.

Also Read: Which country won the most medals at Tokyo Olympics and who finished on top?