Tokyo hockey star Rupinder overwhelmed by PM Modi’s letter of appreciation on retirement

NEW DELHI: Olympic bronze medallist hockey player Rupinder Pal Singh on Saturday said he is overwhelmed by the appreciation he received from Prime Minister Narendra Modi on his retirement and has pledged to give back to the game after being inspired by the leader’s passion for sports.

“Overwhelmed to receive this letter from our Hon’ble PM @narendramodi ji. His constant support to athletes has motivated us to do our best at Tokyo2020. Sir, I am inspired by your passion for sport and pledge to continue my contribution to Indian sports. @PMOIndia @ianuragthakur,” Rupinder tweeted on Saturday.

Modi had sent a letter of appreciation to Rupinder earlier this month, thanking him for his services to Indian hockey after the star dragflicker announced his retirement from the game on September 30.

Rupinder, who played an integral part in India’s historic bronze medal feat in Tokyo, quit the game to make way for youngsters.

In his appreciation letter, Modi said Rupinder has been a source of inspiration for Indian hockey for the last decade and has played a key role in the resurgence of the sport in the country.