Sachin thanks the nation for supporting Rio athletes

"Few results have not been to our liking but in sports there is always ups and downs. I am thankful to the entire nation for staying behind our athletes and supporting them," Sachin Tendulkar said.

Sachin Tendulkar emphasized on the need to support athletes when the results don't go their way.

Sachin Tendulkar thanked India for backing its athletes in the Rio Olympics, saying all sportspersons need support when chips are down.

Fielding its biggest ever contingent at the Olympic Games, India has pocketed just one bronze medal so far. India won six medals - its best ever haul - in the London Games, four years ago.

But Tendulkar, who was in Rio as India's ambassador to cheer the Indian contingent, feels athletes need support in their hour of crisis.

"Few results have not been to our liking but in sports there is always ups and downs. I am thankful to the entire nation for staying behind our athletes and supporting them," he said.

"If things are not going our way we need to find ways to make things better. That can only happen if we continue to give them support," Tendulkar said at the sidelines of a promotional event

Tendulkar also praised wrestler Sakshi Malik who won India's first medal in Rio when she bagged a historic bronze in the women's 58kg category.

"I am really happy for Sakshi. She has really done well and made the country proud," he said.

Tendulkar is also eagerly waiting for Indian shuttler P. V. Sindhu's women's singles gold medal match against world no. 1 Carolina Marin of Spain later this evening.

"I am extremely happy and excited about Sindhu's match today. I don't want to miss that and will be praying for her success," he said.