Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday felicitated all the medal winners of the recently-concluded third edition of the Youth Olympic Games.
The function was also attended by Union Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports Rajyavardhan Rathore.
Players present in the ceremony were delighted after meeting the Prime Minister and admitted that they felt truly motivated after being honoured.
Speaking on the sidelines of the event, shooter Saurabh Chaudhary, who had bagged a gold medal in Men's 10m Air Pistol Event in the tournament, said that he is happy to have made the country proud at the international level.
"I am happy to meet the Prime Minister. I won gold at Asian Games, Youth Olympics, and World Championship. I am happy that I am making the country proud," Chaudhary said.
Another Indian shooter Tushar Mane, who had also won a silver medal in the men's 10m air rifle event at the Youth Olympic Games, also appreciated the government's special interest in the sports field.
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He further credited the same for India's improved performance in the international tournaments.
"It (Felicitation) is motivational and inspiring. He (Prime Minister) told us to plan for the Tokyo Olympics. He is very motivational. He takes a special interest in sports which is the reason why the country is improving in sports," Mane said.
India clinched a total of 13 medals at the 2018 Youth Olympics-- three gold, nine silver, and one bronze.