On Tuesday, Nita Ambani, International Olympic Committee (IOC) member and chairperson of Reliance Foundation, hosted a special felicitation ceremony at the India House in Paris to honor India’s Olympic bronze medalists Manu Bhaker and Swapnil Kusale for their outstanding performances at the ongoing Paris Olympics. The event celebrated the achievements of these athletes, as well as recognized other notable participants from the Indian contingent.
Celebrating Excellence
Manu Bhaker, who won a bronze medal in shooting, and Swapnil Kusale, who secured bronze in the 50m Rifle event, were the highlights of the ceremony. Their achievements have been a source of immense pride for the nation, reflecting the hard work and dedication they put into their training.
Nita Ambani lauded the shooting contingent for their remarkable performances throughout the Olympics. Her praise was not limited to the medalists but extended to the entire shooting team, which showcased exceptional skill and determination. “Our shooting team has been in its top form in these Olympics,” Ambani stated during the event. She highlighted the historic achievement of Swapnil Kusale, the first Indian to win a medal in the 50m Rifle event, as a testament to the team’s dedication and perseverance.
Wisdom and Inspiration
Ambani also spoke about Manu Bhaker’s journey and how she embraced the wisdom of the Bhagavad Gita. Referring to Manu’s reflection on the ancient scripture, she shared how Manu’s approach to her sport was inspired by the Gita’s teachings: “Do your best and leave the rest to God.” According to Ambani, this philosophy was key to Manu’s success at the Paris Olympics. She highlighted how Manu’s commitment to this wisdom not only changed her own life but also brought pride to the nation.
Recognition of Achievements
The felicitation ceremony was a momentous occasion, with several other athletes from the Indian team also being recognized for their remarkable performances. Shuttler Lakshya Sen, along with shooters Vijayveer Singh Sidhu, Maheshwari Chauhan, Aishwarya Pratap Singh Tomar, Sift Kaur Samra, Esha Singh, Raiza Dhillon, and Anish Banwala, were acknowledged for their contributions. Boxer Nishant Dev, shot put athlete Tajinderpal Singh Toor, and athlete Jeswin Aldrin were also celebrated for their efforts and achievements.
Nita Ambani’s address was not only a tribute to the athletes’ hard work and dedication but also a celebration of their contributions to Indian sports. Her role in supporting and recognizing these athletes underscores her commitment to fostering excellence and encouraging young talent in India.
The ceremony at India House was a fitting tribute to the athletes’ successes and a reflection of the growing recognition and support for Indian sports on the global stage.
