Modi seeks IOC's help to promote India as 'sports hub'

Intending to promote India on the global sports map, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday sought help from the International Olympic Committee (IOC) in enabling the country to become a nerve centre of sports.

According to an official communique, Modi, in his meeting with IOC president Thomas Bach, expressed his intention to promote India on the global sports map.

He sought the IOC's support in making India a hub of sports infrastructure, sports technology, and sports equipment manufacturing.

Concerned about the rising trend of conflict, civil war and terrorism around the world, the two agreed that sports was a powerful unifying force that can unite humanity and society.

"Sports is essential for any country to inculcate sportsman spirit among its citizens, which serves as a strong bond for the society," Modi said.

The prime minister spoke of India's humanitarian approach in dealing with recent tragic incidents in the neighbourhood, including the earthquake in Nepal.

Impressing on the government's assistance in evacuation operations in 48 countries, including Yemen, Modi said India, as the "world's youngest country", has the "maximum" potential for growth of sports.