India's Commonwealth Games stars return home to a rousing welcome

09.08.2022 - 11:33 timesofindia.indiatimes.com

Commonwealth Games (CWG), have started returning home to warm receptions on the beat of dhols and garlands giving the IGI airport a festive look.

Among those who have arrived since Monday night include the boxing contingent led by Amit Panghal, the athletics and wrestling teams and the para powerlifters.

It was a truly memorable moment for Bajrang Punia, Deepak Punia, Sakshi Malik and the entire wrestling contingent when it touched down here, with the celebrated grapplers being mobbed the moment they entered the arrival lounge. "Our Dhakad (braveheart) Wrestlers Are Back.

Indian Wrestling contingent is back after a spectacular performance at #CommonwealthGames2022. Let's greet them with our wishes & continue to #Cheer4India.

Boxing athletics wrestling Nikhat Zareen India Birmingham

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Sreeja Akula, who recently won the Gold Medal in the Mixed-Doubles Table Tennis event at the Commonwealth Games 2022 in Birmingham, was felicitated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi at his residence in New Delhi on last Saturday. The 24-year-old Sreeja won the coveted Gold Medal along with her partner Sharath Kamal at the quadrennial event and they became the first Indian pair to win gold in the Mixed Doubles in Commonwealth Games history. Sreeja was among the 31 athletes making their Commonwealth Games debut who went on to win a medal for India.

As long as Sharath and I are in the team, India will be the team to beat on the world TT stage: Sathiyan Gnanasekaran

It was just a four-shot rally, when Drinkhall couldn't keep his return to Sathiyan's forehand on the table. Raising his hands in elation for a second, Sathiyan lay flat on the ground the next moment, while Drinkhall turned to the other side in dismay. The home crowd rose in support of both the players. Wiping the tears rolling out of his eyes, Sathiyan got up, and the two players shook hands. Admiration was the underlying theme of those scenes.

'Unforgettable moment': CWG 2022 gold medallist Sreeja Akula on meeting with PM Modi

Commonwealth Games 2022 in Birmingham, was felicitated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi at his residence in New Delhi. Speaking about the grand event in New Delhi, Sreeja described it as a moment she would never forget. "It was an honour for me to meet with Hon'ble PM Modi and to hear his inspiring words. Being felicitated by him is one moment I will cherish forever. I am grateful for such a warm welcome and it gives me the motivation to continue the hard work," she said. Sreeja was among the 31 athletes making their Commonwealth Games debut who went on to win a medal for India. Speaking at the felicitation ceremony, the Prime Minister cited how medal wins by the women athletes will inspire girls to pick up sports as a career option.

Nikhat Zareen Gifts Boxing Gloves To PM Modi, Hima Das Gives Traditional Gamocha

Indian athletes expressed their elation at being honoured by Prime Minister Narendra Modi for their superlative showing at Birmingham Commonwealth Games with Nikhat Zareen gifting him her boxing gloves and sprinter Hima Das giving the traditional Assamese gamocha. Modi, on Saturday, hosted the Indian contingent at his residence to felicitate the players. The Indian athletes produced a sensational show in Birmingham, claiming 61 medals, including 22 gold, 16 silver and 23 bronze.

Nikhat Zareen Gifts Boxing Gloves To PM Modi, Hima Das Gives Traditional Gamocha

Our paths will cross and it'll be Indian boxing's loss: Nitu Ghanghas on rivalry with Nikhat Zareen

We are talking about women’s World champion Nikhat Zareen and two-time World youth champion Nitu Ghanghas – both a CWG gold medallist at the recently-held Games in Birmingham. While Nikhat won the gold in the light flyweight (50kg) division, the Strandja memorial champion Nitu came out trumps in the minimumweight (48kg) competition. But, the scenario will change for the Hangzhou Asiad in September-October next year and the Paris Games.