Indian athletes should be supported more when the chips are down: Sachin Tendulkar

Indian athletes have received a lot of criticism after a few of them bowed out of the ongoing Rio Olympics without any medals. Indian cricket legend, Sachin Tendulkar who is also India’s goodwill ambassador for the games said that the athletes need more support from the country when the chips are down.

“The first half has not gone according to our plan and expectations, but I am sure with our support things will change. I for sure will be with our athletes and back them especially when the chips are down,” Tendulkar said at a promotional event.

He met the Indian athletes at the Games Village to support and encourage them. He also watched various events at the Olympics, including the Indian women’s doubles pair of Sania Mirza and Prarthana Thombare. Sachin also pointed out that it helped him realize the kind of hard work put in by the athletes.

“I thoroughly enjoyed spending time with the athletes and also went there to support them and watched various competitions. When you go there, you realize how hard they are competing, how hard they are pushing themselves.”

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“Olympics is the biggest sporting event and athletes prepare for years and years. After all these preparations, you lose by a fraction. Being a sportsperson myself I understand how disappointing it is sometimes when things don’t go according to your plan. You are not always able to execute your plans because of unexpected challenges,” he said.

The 43-year-old said that more than anything else, the intent at which one perform for the nation is what really matters. “What matters truly to me is your intent, the way you go about, perform and represent your nation. When I spent time with the athletes I could feel their energy. It was an honour to be there among all these champions,” he signed-off.

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