AR Rahman, Salman Khan & IOA give Olympic athletes send-off

Tennis star Sania Mirza, badminton players P.V. Sindhu and K. Srikanth, gymnast Dipa Karmakar, wrestlers Babita Kumari, Vinesh Phogat, judoka Avtar Singh, and table tennis player Manika Batra were among a battery of athletes present during the function. The unveiling of the ceremonial and training dresses to be worn in Rio also took place during the event.

India will send its biggest-ever contingent to the Olympics this time, and Music Maestro AR Rahman projected a positive future for India in sports by pointing out that 60% of the population are youth.

Nothing should stop us. Let us show the world how we do it."

AR Rahman

“Nothing should stop us. Let us show the world how we do it,” said Rahman as he sang numbers like Koi hamsejeetnapaave and Jai Ho, reported the Hindu.

Also, read : Road to Rio: The great Indian dream

Film star Salman Khan also wished the athletes best for the Rio Games in his own style and told them to return as late as possible from the Olympics.

“Give your best, and leave the rest to God. But, don’t leave too much,” said Salman in his inimitable style.

Give your best, and leave the rest to God. But, don’t leave too much."

Salman Khan

120 athletes will be representing India at Rio, and IOA chief N Ramachandran highlighted the fact in his speech and wished the athletes the best for the Games.

“All the 1.2 billion people will be cheering for you. Olympics is not just about winning medals, but qualifying for it is also a huge task,” said Ramachandran, as he highlighted the fact that the number of Indian athletes this time was about 30 percent more than London, reported the Hindu.

The IOA chief also added that he is expecting double-digit medals from Rio.

"I am expecting at least double digits even though can't give you the exact figure," he told reporters on the sidelines of the event, reported IANS. 

Also, read : Haryana: India's foundation for medals in wrestling at Olympics?