PM Manmohan Singh inaugurated Olympics Bhavan

Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh stressed on the need of a new social compact involving all stakeholders 'to launch a nationwide movement of youth in sports'. Manmohan Singh expressed these views while inaugurating the Indian Olympic Bhawan, here today.

Singh stressed on the need to pay greater attention to athletics and gymnastics, apart from popular games like cricket, football and hockey.

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He urged the Indian Olympic Association to work closely with the Government, at the centre and in the states, and "unleash a new wave of sports consciousness and sports development."

"I am delighted to associate myself with the inauguration of the Olympic Bhavan. I hope this Bhavan will provide a warm home for the hopes and aspirations of our sportsperson. India has been part of the Olympic movement for a long time. Our participation in the Olympic Games has been in consonance with our age old ethos of promoting friendship among people, understanding and peace through sports and the medium of games. The Olympic Games in fact do constitute one of the biggest peace movements in the world," Prime minister said while stressing on the need of developing distinct sports culture within the country.

On this occasion some noted sports person including the president of International Olympic Association, Jacqus Rogge and the president of Indian Olympic Association, Suresh Kalmadi, were present.

The Prime Minister reiterated that the India has a tremendous potential in the world of sports and games. "We are yet to fully harness the talent of our youth in this vast field. Especially in the areas of games that figure at the Olympics" he said.

"Our performances in hockey and other disciplines have to improve substantially to enable our sports person win more Olympic medals."