India's soft power will increase with growth of sports culture in country: PM Modi

PATNA: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday said that India's soft power will increase with the growth of sports culture in the country and his government is focussed on modernising the sports infrastructure, keeping in mind the dream of hosting 2036 Olympic Games.

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Modi also said that a major chunk of Rs 4000 crore sports budget for the year was being used for the purpose as the government is determined to bring the world's biggest sporting show in the country.

Modi made these comments while virtually inaugurating the seventh edition of the Khelo India Youth Games in Bihar,

"Sports is now making its mark as a culture in Bihar. And the more Indian sports culture grows, the more India's soft power will also grow," Modi said in his video message which was played soon after Bihar CM Nitish Kumar addressed the gathering.

The Khelo India Youth Games will be held across five cities in Bihar from May 4 to 15. New Delhi will also host a few events.

Modi said his government has developed a sporting ecosystem, keeping in mind the target of hosting Olympic Games.

"It has been a dream of every Indian to have the Olympics in India. Today, India is trying to hold the Olympics in 2036."