Novak Djokovic - The biggest celebrity amongst Indian athletes at Olympics 2021

Tennis legend Novak Djokovic has been the most sought-after athlete among the Indian contingent at the Olympics 2021. And long jumper M Sreeshankar has become the latest to join the list of Djokovic fans.

Djokovic is having a great year and is eyeing an elusive calendar 'Golden' slam - winning all four Grand slams and the Olympics in the same year.

Sreeshankar ran into the World No. 1 tennis star at the Games Village on Sunday, and promptly asked for a picture. Sreeshankar took to social media to share a picture of himself with Djokovic earlier today.

M Sreeshankar meets Novak Djokovic

Earlier, Chirag Shetty, the World No. 10 doubles badminton player from India, had met Novak Djokovic too. That was followed by men's singles badminton star Sai Praneeth bumping into the 20-time Grand Slam champion in Tokyo.

Sreeshankar's AFI controversy ahead of his departure to Tokyo

A few days ago, just before the start of the Tokyo Olympics, the Athletics Federation of India questioned the fitness qualification of Indian long jumper M Sreeshankar and 20m race walker KT Irfan. The inclusion of the two Indian athletes was in doubt after both failed to perform well in the trials held at Bengaluru.

But after a few discussions in an emergency meeting, the Athletics Federation allowed both the athletes to participate in their maiden Olympic Games.

The AFI chief also reportedly threatened the athletes, saying strict action would be taken if they failed to perform well at the Summer Games. In response, Sreeshankar and Irfan's coaches asserted that both the track and field athletes would do their best in Tokyo.

The track and field events will start on 30 July. Indian fans can see Sreeshankar in action on 31 July, with the Men's Long Jump Qualification starting from 3:40 pm (IST) onwards.