Hima Das attended the meeting with the PM where top sportspersons talked about the Covid-19 situation in India (Reuters)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday held a meeting with India's top athletes via a video conference in order to stress upon their roles in boosting the morale of the nation and spreading positivity amid the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. With more than 2000 people testing positive for the virus in the country, India is currently under a 21-day lockdown, set to expire on April 14.

Sports figures and athletes from all around the world are trying to do their bit in helping out the people in need during this time of crisis as the world continues its fight against the deadly virus, which has already claimed over 36,000 lives globally and infected more than 750,000 people after originating in Wuhan, China late last year.

In India on Friday, PM Modi called upon the likes of Sourav Ganguly, Sachin Tendulkar, PT Usha, Hima Das, Mirabai Chanu and others to discuss the ongoing situation in the country.

Speaking about the meeting, Das told ANI, "First of all, all the sportspersons thanked the Prime Minister for handling the current situation and talking to us. Prime Minister talked about the measures to contain the Covid-19 and steps the government is taking. We also shared our daily routine and lifestyle in the lockdown."

"I feel sad when people breach the lockdown and pelt stones towards police and doctors. Stay at home and follow social distancing," Das added.

Das and weightlifter Mirabai Chanu, both attended the meeting with the Prime Minister where top sportspersons talked about the situation in the country.

"Follow the lockdown and maintain social distancing, We have to follow this together to fight against coronavirus. Stay at home and enjoy the time with family. Prime Minister also advised to light a diya, candle, or flashlight on April 5 for nine minutes to fight against coronavirus so please follow that too. Stay at home and stay safe," Chanu said.

The PM, on his part, gave a five-point mantra of Sankalp, Sanyam, Sakaratmakta, Samman and Sahyog to tackle coronavirus outbreak.

PM Modi said that sportspersons have brought glory to the nation and now have an important role to play in boosting the morale of the nation and spreading positivity.

According to PMO, the sportspersons thanked PM Modi for ensuring frontline health care workers and police personnel involved in this battle get the respect they deserve for their selfless service.