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India is celebrating its 78th Independence Day today. This day marks the end of the struggle that the nation overcame together. Over the past 78 years, India has endured many hardships to keep this vast and diverse country united and flourishing. Meanwhile, sports have always played a key role in fostering unity across India. Globally, sports are often seen as a source of entertainment, but in India, they mean much more, constantly fueling passion, zeal, and happiness in society.
From the brilliance of Dhyan Chand in hockey to Neeraj Chopra’s historic Olympic gold in javelin, Indian athletes have consistently made the nation proud. Cricket legends like Kapil Dev and Sachin Tendulkar redefined Indian sports, while athletes like PV Sindhu, Abhinav Bindra, and Mary Kom have inspired new generations with their victories on the world stage. These icons didn’t just win medals; they broke barriers and challenged stereotypes, empowering millions of young Indians to dream big.
It's a dream to host the 2036 Olympics, Says PM Narendra Modi on Independence Day
Addressing the nation on this Independence Day from the Red Fort, Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed that India is looking forward to hosting the 2036 Olympic Games. India is competing for the hosting rights of this prestigious global tournament, alongside countries like Turkey, Egypt, and Saudi Arabia. The Prime Minister also congratulated the athletes who performed at the recently concluded Paris Olympics, where India won five bronze medals and a silver.
"It is India's dream to host the 2036 Olympics, and we are making preparations for that," Modi said in his address from the Red Fort on the 78th Independence Day. "Today, we also have with us the youth who made the Indian flag fly high in the Olympics. On behalf of 140 crore countrymen, I congratulate all our athletes and players,” he added.
Indian players wish "Happy Independence Day" on social media
Sportspersons carry the identity of a nation onto the global stage when they compete in marquee events across disciplines. India recently concluded the Paris Olympics, where athletes like Neeraj Chopra, Manu Bhaker, and PR Sreejesh took center stage as representatives of the nation. Any accolade or medal won by these players ultimately adds to the nation's credit.
Cricket, meanwhile, holds a special place in the hearts of Indians. The nation follows the game with great passion, through the Indian cricket team’s highs, such as the historic 2024 T20 World Cup win, and the lows, like the heartbreaking 2023 ODI World Cup defeat. Sportspersons representing India hold a unique passion and respect for the country. Expressing this on Independence Day, many players shared their heartfelt wishes on social media.
Indian all-rounder Hardik Pandya, who played a major role in India’s World Cup win earlier this year, posted about how playing for India will always come first for him. Cricketers like Yuzvendra Chahal and Mohammed Shami also posed with the tricolour as they posted in honor of the day.
“Playing for my country will always come first for me. Wishing you all a very happy Independence Day,” Pandya posted on Instagram.
“Wishing a very Happy Independence Day to all my fellow countrymen 😇 May the tricolour always fly high! Jai Hind!,” wrote Chahal on X.
Playing for my country will always come first for me. Wishing you all a very happy Independence Day 🇮🇳❤️ pic.twitter.com/I7gcU8fkJn
— hardik pandya (@hardikpandya7) August 15, 2024
Wishing a very Happy Independence Day to all my fellow countrymen 😇
— Yuzvendra Chahal (@yuzi_chahal) August 15, 2024
May the tricolour always fly high!
Jai Hind! 🇮🇳 pic.twitter.com/m4Pi7gTPj8
Former Indian cricketer Yuvraj Singh also expressed similar sentiments, stating his honour and pride in standing with the tricolour. Additionally, Indian batter Shreyas Iyer posted photos in the Indian jersey as he wished a “Happy Independence Day” to fellow countrymen.
"Always proud and honoured to stand with our tricolor! Here’s wishing everyone a very Happy Independence Day," wrote Yuvraj Singh.
Happy Independence Day, India 🇮🇳 pic.twitter.com/Mtlz5f68cB
— Shreyas Iyer (@ShreyasIyer15) August 15, 2024
Always proud and honoured to stand with our tricolor!
— Yuvraj Singh (@YUVSTRONG12) August 15, 2024
Here’s wishing everyone a very Happy Independence Day 🇮🇳 #HappyIndependenceDay pic.twitter.com/cgYJTa6OKK
"Wishing you all a memorable Independence Day! May the spirit of freedom and patriotism fill your heart with pride," wrote Olympics 2024 Hockey Bronze Medalist PR Sreejesh on X.
Proud Indian 🇮🇳
— sreejesh p r (@16Sreejesh) August 15, 2024
Wishing you all a memorable Independence Day! May the spirit of freedom and patriotism fill your heart with pride.
Jai hind 💪#78th #independenceday #aug15th #jaihind #🇮🇳 pic.twitter.com/PZtqaq8cGp
Happy independence day 🇮🇳🇮🇳#IndependenceDay2024 #Redfort #IndependenceDay #India pic.twitter.com/gQYqSmwKPM
— Jarmanpreet Singh (@jarmanpreet04) August 15, 2024
"Freedom comes at a price. Our heroes pay it everyday with their blood! Never forget," wrote India head coach Gautam Gambhir on X.
Freedom comes at a price. Our heroes pay it everyday with their blood! Never forget #HappyIndependenceDay 🇮🇳 pic.twitter.com/wJgY4IH5pi
— Gautam Gambhir (@GautamGambhir) August 15, 2024