Prime Minister Narendra Modi, one of India’s most prominent and influential leaders, marked his 75th birthday on September 17, 2025, and the nation responded with an outpouring of well-wishes and gratitude. The day saw tributes flooding in from every corner of the country, but it was the sporting fraternity—Olympic medalists, cricketing legends, and members of India’s 2011 ODI World Cup-winning team—who stood out in their collective celebration of Modi’s milestone birthday. Their messages not only honored the Prime Minister’s personal achievements but also acknowledged his transformative impact on Indian sports.
According to Republic World, members of India’s 2011 ODI World Cup winning squad, including Sachin Tendulkar, Yuvraj Singh, Suresh Raina, Munaf Patel, and Yusuf Pathan, were among the first to extend their heartfelt wishes to Modi. Sachin Tendulkar, widely regarded as one of the greatest cricketers in history, tweeted, “Wishing Honourable PM Shri Narendra Modi ji a very happy 75th birthday. May the year ahead be filled with abundant health, happiness, and strength to lead India forward.”
Yuvraj Singh, who played a pivotal role in India’s 2011 World Cup triumph, echoed the sentiment, writing, “Wishing Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi ji a very Happy Birthday. May you continue to lead the nation with great vision and may the year ahead bring continued good health and success.” Suresh Raina, another stalwart of Indian cricket, praised Modi’s leadership, stating, “Under your leadership, India has taken remarkable strides in development, global recognition, and national unity. May your vision continue to guide our nation towards greater progress and prosperity.”
Munaf Patel and Yusuf Pathan, both members of the victorious World Cup squad, also joined the chorus of well-wishers. Munaf Patel kept his message simple and sincere: “Happy birthday Narendra Modi. Wishing you healthy life ahead.” Yusuf Pathan added, “Wishing our Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi Ji a very Happy Birthday. May he be blessed with good health and a long life.”
But it wasn’t just the cricketing legends who reached out. Paris Olympics medal winner Manu Bhaker, reflecting on her journey and Modi’s encouragement, shared a personal story with India Today. She recalled, “My first meeting with Modi ji was after the 2018 Commonwealth Games when I won the gold medal at the age of 16, he praised me a lot at that time. Since then, we have kept meeting at many events, and he always encourages me to do better in the future. Whenever we meet at any event, he always has a very positive approach... Even in Tokyo, during the pre-COVID times, he always made time for all his players, and even after I returned, even though my performance wasn't great, he called me and we had a conversation with him. He asked me everything and told me to keep going.”
Indian pacer Mohammed Siraj, currently one of the country’s leading fast bowlers, offered his own blessing: “PM Modi, wish you a great year ahead. I pray to God to give you good health, and hope you continue to work for the nation as you are doing now.” The sincerity and warmth of these messages underscored the deep respect that India’s athletes hold for the Prime Minister—not just as a political leader, but as a genuine supporter and advocate for sports in the country.
It’s no secret that Modi’s tenure has coincided with a dramatic shift in India’s sporting landscape. As highlighted by Republic World, the Prime Minister has been “vocal about sports being the guiding force behind uniting India, and he has left no stone unturned to transform India into a sporting powerhouse.” Modi’s administration has launched several ambitious initiatives, including the Khelo India Rising Talent Identification (KIRTI) program, the Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS), and the broader Khelo India Program.
These programs have had a tangible impact. The Khelo India initiative, for example, has helped Indian athletes set around 6,000 national records and 1,400 international records—a testament to the scope and effectiveness of these talent identification and development schemes. The Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS), in particular, has been credited with providing crucial financial and training support to athletes with Olympic potential, allowing them to focus on their disciplines and compete at the highest level.
Manu Bhaker’s story offers a vivid illustration of how these policies have changed the lives of young athletes. Her rise from a teenage gold medalist at the Commonwealth Games to an Olympic contender was supported not just by her own determination, but by a system that recognized her talent and provided the resources she needed to excel. “He always made time for all his players,” Bhaker emphasized, highlighting Modi’s personal investment in the success of Indian athletes.
The Prime Minister’s advocacy for women’s participation in sports has also been a recurring theme. According to Republic World, his “pathbreaking and visionary efforts of introducing schemes for women and his talent discovery programs like Khelo India Rising Talent Identification (KIRTI) have gone a long way in helping the Indian athletes to rise and shine on global stages.” This focus on inclusivity and opportunity has been instrumental in expanding the pool of talent and ensuring that athletes from all backgrounds have a chance to succeed.
On his 75th birthday, the convergence of sporting icons and policy achievements painted a portrait of a leader whose influence extends far beyond the realm of politics. Anil Kumble, another cricketing legend, summed up the mood with his own birthday message: “Wishing our Honourable Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi ji a very happy birthday. May you continue to lead our nation towards prosperity and growth with your vision and dedication.”
As the day unfolded, social media was awash with tributes, photos, and memories of Modi’s interactions with athletes, from the exuberant celebrations of World Cup victories to the quiet encouragement given to young talents at the start of their careers. The messages, while celebratory, also reflected a sense of gratitude for the opportunities and support that have defined Indian sports in the Modi era.
While birthdays are often a time for reflection and celebration, this one felt especially significant. It was a reminder of how leadership, when paired with vision and genuine engagement, can inspire a generation—and, perhaps, set the stage for even greater achievements in the years to come.
