First batch of Indian athletes depart for Tokyo Olympics.

How's the josh? It should be high." Sports Minister Anurag Thakur picked up the famous line from Bollywood blockbuster 'Uri' in giving an unprecedented send-off to the first batch of India's Olympic-bound athletes. Amid loud cheers, claps and plenty of good wishes at the Indira Gandhi International Airport, athletes from the eight disciplines boarded the flight to Tokyo.

"There are 135 crore Indians and you are blessed to be representing the country, you should be proud. The blessing of entire nation is with you and everyone is hoping for your success." Reiterating the message of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Thakur said the athletes shouldn't take any pressure while representing the nation at the showpiece. "As the PM said please go with a free mind and dont't take stress. It is the mental toughness, how strong you are here at the time of your event, it's a battle of nerves. If you are strong enough you are going to perform stronger," he said. "135 crore Indians are with you just remember this. Go with a big heart and wherever you go try to unfurl the tricolour and come out victorious." "I would also like to say that this is not the end of the road. There are many more tests in life waiting for you. The entire country is looking at you and the entire world is looking at you."

courtesy : google