President sends best wishes to Indian contingent in Rio

Rio de Janeiro, Aug 6 (IANS) President of India Pranab Mukherjee has written a personal letter to the Chef de Mission Rakesh Gupta and asked him to convey his best wishes to the entire contingent on the eve of the Rio Olympics.

He has asked them to not only do their best for the glory of the nation but also promote unity and friendship with sportspersons of other countries competing here.

"I am sure the Games will be an opportunity for our sportspersons to display their talents and test their limits in various sporting disciplines. These Games will be an opportunity for competing with participants from all over the world in the best traditions of sportsmanship. I urge the sportspersons to do their best for the glory of the nation and to promote unity and friendship with sportspersons of all participating nations," Mukherjee wrote in the letter.

Commenting on the letter, Gupta said: "This is a big encouragement for the sportspersons and is an indication that the whole country is behind them and wish them to do well and bring glory to India."

The contingent comprising 118 sportspersons in 15 disciplines, is the largest to represent India at the Olympic Games.

India won six medals at the London Olympics in 2012.