Virat Kohli gets Olympics ready, releases motivational video: 'They could only think of us as snake charmers'

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Virat Kohli got into the Paris Olympics zone and released a video on Monday, appealing the nation to rally behind the Indian athletes set to participate in the mega event which starts from July 26.

Virat Kohli, who is currently in London with his family after winning the T20 World Cup 2024, talked about the changing world dynamics in which India is no longer just known as the land of snake charmers and elephants. The 35-year-old two-time world champions urged the people of India to remember the faces of their athletes and cheer for them as they gear up to bring laurels to the country.

In a little over a minute long video post on social media, featuring some Paris-bound athletes like javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra and boxing hope Nishant Dev, Kohli said it is time for India to be recognised as a global sporting powerhouse.

"There was a time when the world could only think of India as a land of snake charmers and elephants. Over time, that has changed. Today we are known to the world as the largest democracy, a global tech hub," he said.

"We are known for cricket and Bollywood, for start-up unicorns and as the fastest growing economy in the world. So, what is the next big thing for this great nation? Well, that will be more gold, more silver and more bronze," he added.

The former India captain then went on to address Indian sports fans, asking them to support the 118-strong group of athletes, who would be aiming to better the country's best ever performance of seven medals achieved in the previous Games in Tokyo.

"Our brothers and sisters are headed to Paris, hungry for medals. A billion of us will be watching them nervous and excited as our athletes set foot in the tracks and fields and courts and rings.

"Every neighbourhood, every corner of India will hear a chorus of voices chanting 'India, India, India'. Join me in remembering their faces as they inch closer to the podium with the dogged determination of waving the Tiranga with pride. Jai Hind and good luck India," Kohli said in his monologue.

Most of the Indian competitors are currently training abroad and will head to the French capital from their respective bases. India's medal hopes will rest on shooting, badminton, wrestling, and boxing aside from the expectations of a second successive podium finish from Chopra, who scripted history with his javelin throw gold in Tokyo.

(With Input From PTI)