Kohli has expressed his support and pride for the Indian athletes

In a heartfelt video message, star India batter Virat Kohli has expressed his support and pride for the Indian athletes competing in the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. Kohli reflects on the transformation of India's image from being perceived as a land of snake charmers and elephants to now being recognised as a global tech giant and the largest democracy in the world.

"India, Bharat, Hindustan. There was a time when the world could only think of India as a land of snake charmers and elephants. Over time, that has changed. Today we are known to the world as the largest democracy. A global tech hub. We are known for cricket, for Bollywood, for start-up unicorns and as the fastest growing economy in the world," Kohli said in a video shared on social media.

He continued, "So, what is the next big thing for this great nation? Well, there will be more gold, more silver and more bronze. Our brothers and sisters are headed to Paris hungry for medals. A billion of us will be watching them nervous and excited as our athletes set foot on the track and fields and coats and things. Every neighbourhood, every corner of India, you will hear a chorus of voices chanting India, India, India! Join me in remembering their faces as they inch closer to the podium with the dogged determination to wave the Tiranga with pride," Kohli added."

The Indian contingent for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games consists of 118 athletes, including 48 women, representing the country in 16 different sports. Among them, 72 athletes will be participating in their first Olympics. The opening ceremony is set to take place on July 26 in the French Capital, where India's athletes will strive for glory and success.