The President of India, Shri Pranab Mukherjee received at Rashtrapati Bhavan today (August 18, 2012) the Indian Contingent which participated in the London Olympics.

Speaking on the occasion, the President called for the creation of sports infrastructure across the country, nurturing of talent from the grass root level and promotion of a sporting culture. Complimenting the medal winners, the President said those who did not win medals have also done their best for India and India is proud of the entire contingent. Compared to the medal drought of the past, six medals was a good harvest. However a nation of 1.2 billion should do better. India deserves a position higher than No. 55. If we set our minds to the task, India can join the ranks of leading sporting nations of the world. While India rejoices at what has been achieved in London, let this be a moment when we re-dedicate ourselves to the building of India's sporting future. Let preparations for the next Olympics begin from now, let us set our goals high and tell ourselves "Rio, here we come".

The President presented commemorative plaques to the six medal winners of London Olympics 2012 Shri Sushil Kumar, Shri Vijay Kumar, Shri Gagan Narang, Ms. Saina Nehwal, Ms. M C Mary Kom and Shri Yogeshwar Dutt.

Shri Ajay Maken, Minister of State (Independent Charge), for Youth Affairs and Sports, Prof Vijay Kumar Malhotra, Acting President of Indian Olympic Association and Ms. Nita Chowdhury, Secretary (Sports), Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, Government of India were also present on the occasion.

This release issued at 1320 hrs