Prime Minister Narendra Modi has pitched for developing a strong sporting culture in the country saying it can help in the growth of a sporting economy. <br/><br/>He said, sports is a multi billion dollar industry and it can generate large employment opportunities. Inaugurating Synthetic Track of Usha School of Athletics in Khozhikode in Kerala through video conferencing, Mr Modi said, India has no dearth of talent and there is need to provide right kind of opportunity and create an ecosystem to nurture the talent. <br/><br/>He said, sports is also an important investment for the human resource development of a society and it can transform people's personality. The Prime Minister said, along with military and economic power, a nation's soft power is central to its identity. <br/><br/>He said, sports is an important part of soft power and a country can carve its own niche through sports. <br/><br/>Mr Modi said, women in the country have made proud by their achievements in all fields particularly in sports. He said, people must encourage the daughters and allow them to take up sports. He said, during earlier decades there was an environment in which sports was not pursued as a career but now the thinking has begun to change. <br/><br/>Lauding PT Usha's contribution in Indian Sports, Mr Modi described her as the a shining example of sports in the country.<br/><br/>PT Usha who addressed the gathering said, one of her great dreams has come true. She said, the newly built stadium and synthetic track would immensely help in training budding athletes for international sports events. Union Sports Minister Vijay Goel presided over the function.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has pitched for developing a strong sporting culture in the country saying it can help in the growth of a sporting economy. <br/><br/>He said, sports is a multi billion dollar industry and it can generate large employment opportunities. Inaugurating Synthetic Track of Usha School of Athletics in Khozhikode in Kerala through video conferencing, Mr Modi said, India has no dearth of talent and there is need to provide right kind of opportunity and create an ecosystem to nurture the talent. <br/><br/>He said, sports is also an important investment for the human resource development of a society and it can transform people's personality. The Prime Minister said, along with military and economic power, a nation's soft power is central to its identity. <br/><br/>He said, sports is an important part of soft power and a country can carve its own niche through sports. <br/><br/>Mr Modi said, women in the country have made proud by their achievements in all fields particularly in sports. He said, people must encourage the daughters and allow them to take up sports. He said, during earlier decades there was an environment in which sports was not pursued as a career but now the thinking has begun to change. <br/><br/>Lauding PT Usha's contribution in Indian Sports, Mr Modi described her as the a shining example of sports in the country.