New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday met with members of the Indian contingent who returned with medals from the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, offering his congratulations to the athletes for their commendable achievements at the multi-sport competition.

He praised Commonwealth Games silver-medallist boxer Lovlina Borgohain for challenging an inaccurate map of India displayed at a Glasgow eatery, during a light-hearted exchange with the Indian team on Sunday.

The Prime Minister shared jokes and listened to stories from the athletes about their preparations and their time in Glasgow during the meeting. Footage of the interaction was released by Modi's office on Monday.

"Kya hua wo restaurant waale se jhagda kar rahi thi? (What happened, you were fighting with that restaurant guy?)" he asked Borgohain, who secured silver in the 75kg category.

The boxer from Assam laughed before replying, "It was a happy occasion, sir; we were celebrating, and I didn't like to see the distorted flag. I politely told them, and they have made the changes also."

Commending her initiative, Modi remarked that it was an attentive gesture at a moment when she was simply enjoying her victory.

"To be able to recognise the significance of that map at a time when you were celebrating, and the Games were over, I can tell you truthfully that video was not ordinary. It will be remembered by people for a very long time," he said.

Addressing weightlifter Saikhom Mirabai Chanu during the session, Prime Minister Modi remarked, "Tears were streaming down; it felt as though a gold medal was dripping from every single drop of your (Weightlifter Saikhom Mirabai Chanu) tears..."

Reflecting on her emotions on the podium, Mirabai Chanu explained, "I was overjoyed and emotional that day—the happiness was overwhelming. I cried because I had missed out on a medal at the Paris Olympics. I thought about what I had endured over those four years—constantly dealing with injuries and family issues. It was a very difficult four-year journey. So, when I stood on the podium—watching our flag rise and hearing our national anthem play—I simply couldn't hold back the tears. Tears flow naturally..."

Modi expressed his admiration for her resilience, stating, "I don't view this merely as your personal achievement; your victory serves as a tremendous inspiration for future generations."

ANI/PTI