Independence Day 2024: How Indian Olympians, cricketers and sporting stars celebrate August 15

On Independence Day 2024, India's athletes—from Olympic champions to cricket legends—celebrated the country's freedom with zeal and pride. Whether through poignant social media posts, community events, or personal musings, these athletes commemorated the day by expressing their appreciation for the country that has supported their goals.

The Indian contingent from the Paris Olympics 2024 was among the 6,000 special guests who attended the 78th Independence Day celebrations at the Red Fort on Thursday.

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PM Narendra Modi lauded the Indian athletes and reiterated India's strong efforts for the Summer Games 2036. He mentioned that the country is preparing its bid to bring the biggest sporting event to India and extended his best wishes to the Indian athletes heading to the Paralympics 2024.

"Today, we also have with us the youth who made the Indian flag fly high in the Olympics. On behalf of 140 crore countrymen, I congratulate all our athletes and players. In the next few days, a huge contingent of India will leave for Paris to participate in the Paralympics. I extend best wishes to all our Paralympians." PM Modi said in his address to the nation.

The athletes shared their excitement on social media, and not just them—former and current cricketers, along with other sporting stars, also extended their wishes to the country on this auspicious occasion.

2036 Olympics in India?

"India organised the G20 Summit in India and hosted over 200 events across the nation. It proved that India has the ability to organise big events. As this has been proven, it is now India's dream to host the 2036 Olympics in India, and we are preparing for that."

India won six medals at the Paris Olympics 2024 and also achieved four fourth-place finishes. Additionally, the country clinched the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2024 title in the men's cricket event, which took place in the West Indies and the USA.

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