Narendra Modi Praises US Open 2019 Runner-up Daniil Medvedev in ‘Mann Ki Baat’

Published 09/29/2019, 8:44 AM EDT

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi in his latest ‘Mann Ki Baat‘ episode lauded Russian tennis star Daniil Medvedev for his simplicity and maturity after losing the US Open 2019 finals against Rafael Nadal. Prime Minister Modi also urged the youth to watch Medvedev’s speech after the final and said that it is something to learn from.

While addressing the nation on Sunday, Narendra Modi praised the Daniil Medvedev’s sportsman spirit and also explained that people of all age group can learn from the speech of the 23-year-old.

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“Just see how on the one hand, victory in the US open was discussed; on the other, runner up Daniil Medvedev’s speech was equally doing the rounds in public discourse, especially on social media,” Modi said in the ‘Mann Ki Baat’ address.

Modi further added that he also heard Medvedev’s speech after it was trending on social media. He continued, “Hence I too heard the speech and watched the match. The sheer simplicity and maturity displayed by the 23-year-old Daniil Medvedev touched everyone. It surely stirred me.”

Prime Minister also recalled that Daniil Medvedev lost a close match against the 19-time Grand Slam champion Rafael Nadal at the US Open 2019 final and any player would have been disheartened after a defeat like this. However, the Russian did not show any signs of discouragement and took the defeat very well.

He said: “Moments before this speech, he had suffered defeat at the hands of tennis legend Rafael Nadal, 19 times grand slam winner. An event such as this would have pushed anyone towards remorse and despair; in the case of Medvedev, there was no sign of the slightest pallor on his countenance.”

Modi further added: “Rather, his expression lit up the faces of those watching him with meaningful smiles. He won hearts with his humility and simplicity; the epitome of the spirit of sportsmanship in the truest sense that he is, in letter and spirit. Spectators welcomed his reflections with warmth and fervor.”

Daniil Medvedev also praised his opponent Rafael Nadal as he has been an inspiration for millions of tennis fans around the world. Modi was also impressed by his sportsmanship.

 

“He also touched upon Nadal being the inspiring force in tennis for millions of young people, adding how difficult it was to face him in the game. The way Medvedev heaped praise on his opponent after a defeat in a fierce duel makes him a living example of the true essence of the spirit of sportsmanship,” Modi added.

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PM Modi even alluded Nadal’s humility in success, especially after such a close match and asked the youngsters to watch the video.

He said: “Of course, on the other hand, champion Nadal too showered glowing praise on Daniil’s game. The display of the indomitable ardor of the defeated and the sheer humility of the victorious in the same frame was a sight to behold.”

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The 69-year-old Prime Minister concluded, “If you haven’t heard Medvedev’s speech yet, I shall urge you, especially young friends to watch this video. It holds much for people across the age and class spectra to see and learn.”

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Written by:

Varun Khanna

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Starting off as a tennis author in 2018, Varun Khanna has gone on to contribute to EssentiallySports in various capacities. After setting up interviews with the likes of Serena Williams’ coach Patrick Mouratoglou, Alizé Cornet, and Noah Rubin, Varun is now part of all major ATP and WTA press conferences and has gone on to pen more than 1300 articles for EssentiallySports. He now heads the tennis and NBA division of the organization.
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