"It is an honor...": PM Modi comments after meeting the Indian team for the Paris Olympics.

New Delhi [India], August 16 : After welcoming the Indian athletes who recently returned from the Paris Olympics, Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his honor in hosting them at his residence.

On Independence Day, PM Modi met the Indian Olympic team at his residence, 7 Lok Kalyan Marg, in the capital city on Thursday.

During the visit, the Indian men's hockey team gifted him a signed jersey and hockey stick.

"It is a privilege to have you all here... PR Sreejesh demonstrated why he is called 'The Wall'. Everyone who won a medal, as well as those who lost narrowly, emphasized that this journey will continue until they secure a Gold," PM Modi remarked while interacting with the athletes.

Shooter Manu Bhaker, who made history by becoming the first Indian to win two medals in a single Olympic Games, noted that PM Modi offered significant encouragement.

"I was thrilled to receive a call from PM Sir after winning the medal. His support has been immense," Bhaker said.

Additionally, badminton player Lakshya Sen discussed his training with coach Prakash Padukone.

"Prakash Sir took away my phone during the Olympic matches and said I wouldn't get it back until the tournament ended. Many people supported me throughout this journey. I had a wonderful experience in Paris. Although it was a bit disheartening to come so close to winning a medal and miss out, I will strive to perform better in the future," said the shuttler.

Former Indian hockey goalkeeper PR Sreejesh also shared insights about his career, stating, "I've been contemplating retirement for the past few years. I joined the camp in 2002 and played my first international match at the junior level in 2004. Having represented the country for 20 years, I felt it was time to retire at a high level, and the Olympics provided that platform. It was tough losing the semifinal. Our A team went to Paris with the hope of competing for gold. Before the bronze medal match, every player said we had to play for Sree bhai."

India concluded its Paris Olympics campaign with six medals, including five bronze and one silver.

Under the leadership of Harmanpreet Singh, the Indian men's hockey team won consecutive bronze medals for the first time in 52 years with their 2-1 victory over Spain.

In shooting, Manu Bhaker made history as the first Indian athlete in the post-independence era to win two medals in a single edition of the Olympics. This achievement was previously held by Norman Pritchard at the Paris 1900 Games.

In the women's 10m air pistol event, Manu won a bronze medal, becoming the first Indian woman shooter to achieve this.

Alongside Sarabjot Singh, Manu earned her second bronze and India's first-ever medal in the mixed team 10m air pistol event.

She narrowly missed a third medal, finishing fourth in the women's 25m pistol shooting event at the Paris Olympics.