Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent interactions with Indian Olympic medalists have been marked by lighthearted moments and a shared love for traditional Indian delicacies. After his playful “choorma banter” with javelin star Neeraj Chopra, PM Modi engaged in another heartwarming exchange with Paris Olympics bronze medal-winning wrestler Aman Sehrawat.
During a meeting with the Indian Olympic contingent at his residence, PM Modi congratulated Sehrawat on becoming India’s youngest Olympic medalist. With a broad smile, the Prime Minister inquired if Sehrawat had indulged in any of his favorite foods upon returning from Paris. The 21-year-old Haryana native replied with a smile, “I haven’t gone home yet, sir.”
PM Modi quipped, “You should’ve told us; we could’ve made something for you!” Sehrawat, in his typical Haryanvi accent, responded with simplicity, “Once I’m home, I’ll definitely have choorma.”
Sehrawat, who lost his parents at a tender age of 10, trains and resides at New Delhi’s Chhatrasal Stadium. He defeated Puerto Rico’s Darian Toi Cruz 13-5 to win the bronze medal at the Champ-de-Mars Arena, extending India’s wrestling medal streak at the Olympics since the Beijing Games in 2008.
Earlier, PM Modi had a candid moment with silver medalist Neeraj Chopra during an interaction with athletes ahead of their departure for the Paris Games. In a humorous exchange, PM Modi joked, “I haven’t received my churma yet,” sparking laughter all around.
With a shy smile, Chopra replied, “This time I will treat you with churma from Haryana; last time we had the sugary one from Delhi.” The Prime Minister eagerly expressed his craving for homemade churma, saying, “I want to savor churma made by your mother.”
Later, Chopra’s mother, Saroj Devi, promised PM Modi that she would send a special ‘choorma’ for him.