Modi shares 'real story' of India's T20 World Cup in Moscow diaspora speech

INDIAN prime minister Narendra Modi on Monday (8) spoke with pride about his country's recent triumph at the T20 World Cup in the West Indies and the USA while addressing members of the Indian diaspora in Moscow, Moscow, during his two-day visit to that country.

He shared the 'asli story' (real story) of the Men in Blue's memorable victory under the captaincy of Rohit Sharma, saying the cricket team's success reflects young Indians' never-say-die attitude.

India, who did not win an International Cricket Council (ICC) crown for 11 years till this year's world cup, beat South Africa by seven runs in a thrilling final in Barbados in the Caribbeans on June 29. The game looked lost at one moment with the Proteas requiring just 30 runs in 30 balls but India kept on fighting to eventually win the game and the trophy.

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In this handout photograph taken and released on July 4, 2024, by the Indian Press Information Bureau (PIB), Indian prime minister Narendra Modi (2L) talks with Indian cricket team in New Delhi, after India won the ICC men's Twenty20 World Cup 2024 in Barbados. (Photo by -/PIB/AFP via Getty Images)

"You all must have celebrated India's T20 World Cup victory. Did you? Or did you not? Were you all proud or not? There is a real story and a road towards the World Cup triumph. Today's youth and the youth of India do not give up till the last ball and last moment. The victory kisses those feet who are not ready to give up. The feeling is not just limited to cricket but is also evident in other sports," Modi said during his address as the diaspora cheered him.

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It is not the first time that he has spoken about cricket at a foreign event. In May last year, he mentioned about India's long cricketing relations with Australia during a speech made in front of several thousands of Indians in Sydney and also remembered the passing away of local hero Shane Warne.

Modi met the victorious Indian cricket team at his residence over breakfast in New Delhi soon after they arrived from the West Indies in a special chartered flight after their departure got delayed by a few days due to a severe hurricane. He sat for a light interaction with the cricketers and listened to anecdotes from the players.

It may also be noted here that Modi personally visited the Indian team's dressing room after the side faced a heart-breaking defeat against Australia in the final of the 50-over World Cup at home last November.

In his speech in Moscow, Modi also expressed confidence that India will do well at the upcoming Paris Olympics, beginning on July 26.

"The Indian athletes have produced historic performances at the international level. This time in the Paris Olympics as well, a great team is going who will represent India. It will be great to watch how the entire team from different ethnicities will produce stellar performances. The self-belief of the young India is the real treasure of the country," he said.

Modi's two-day visit to Russia is his first to the country in five years and since the beginning of the war in Ukraine. He was welcomed by Russian president Vladimir Putin later on Monday and was given a tour by the latter around his residence outside the Russian capital.