Grand reception under Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav as Pride of Bharat@ 75 to welcome TEAM INDIA at Commonwealth Games 2022

Grand reception under Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav as Pride of Bharat@ 75 to welcome TEAM INDIA at Commonwealth Games 2022

A Grand reception under Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav as Pride of Bharat@ 75 to welcome TEAM INDIA at Commonwealth Games 2022 was organised at the prestigious Birmingham Royal Conservatoire on 26th July, 2022. Communities across UK thronged the celebrations to meet and cheer their dream Athlete.

The event commenced with the lightening of the lamp by H.E. Acting High Commissioner, Shri Sujit Ghosh, Consul General Dr Shashank Vikram, Acting President Shri Anil Khanna, Indian Olympic Association & Community representatives. Consul General Dr Shashank Vikram welcomed the diaspora & lauded their spirit to cheer Team India, he highlighted that more than 65 athletes are participating in Commonwealth for the first time and he wished them all success, especially when India is celebrating 75 years of Independence, and the commonwealth Games is happening in Birmingham. It was soon followed by series of addresses from the Acting High Commissioner, Shri Sujit Ghosh, Acting President Shri Anil Khanna, Indian Olympic Association, they emphasised the strength of the Indian strong squads said that the athletes have prepared well, are fit, raring to go & is confident of splendid performance of Team India & wished them all the very best. The event continued with an In-conversation with our elite athletes, Mr.Abhay Singh, Mr. Sagar , Mr.Harinder Pal Singh Sandhu ,  Ms.Pranati Nayak, Mr. Asish Chaudhary, in which they mentioned about their journey, struggle, achievements and training. Enthusiastic community members asked several questions to peek into the lives of their heroes. Eventually, a cultural programme curated by SAMPAD and the opening dance by Ms. Arunima Kumar, leading South Asian dancer & Kuchipudi expert followed. Although the diaspora were not able to meet and greet them physically as we followed all COVID measures to keep our Athletes safe before the games, they cheered for Team India from their respective places. The Journey of the Athletes inspired the 300+ community members present at the celebrations and they look forward to supporting Team India during the upcoming Commonwealth Games form 28th July to 8th August.