Pay attention to Athletics, Gymnastics: PM

New Delhi, Apr 28 (UNI) Prime Minster Dr Manmohan Singh today urged Indian Olympic association to work closely with the Government, both at the Centre and in the states, to help ''unleash a new wave of sports consciousness and sports development'' in the country.

Adressing media persons at the inauguration of 'Olympic Bhawan' here today, Dr Singh stressed the need to pay much greater attention to athletics and gymnastics, apart from popular games like cricket, football and hockey.

International Olympic Association president Jacqus Rogge and IOA president Suresh Kalmadi were also present at the occasion.

''As a country of young people, India has great potential in the world of sports and games,'' the Prime Minister said in his address.

''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. Our performances in hockey and other disciplines of sports and games have to improve substantially to enable our sports persons win more Olympic medals,'' Dr Singh said.

''I do believe we need a new social compact involving all stakeholders to launch a nationwide movement of youth in sports. We have to also pay much greater attention to athletics and gymnastics, apart from popular games like cricket, football and hockey. ''I would like 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,'' he added.

He also assured IOA that all the roadblocks and glitches in India's quest to be a sporting powerhouse would be taken care of.

''Suresh Kalmadiji has referred certain financial issues. He has my assurance that our government will do all that is within our power to exploit the vast untapped potential that undoubtedly lies in this area. But it would not proper for me to comment on specific proposals having financial implications,'' the Prime Minister said.

He said time had come make sports and integral part of the educational syllabi at the schools and colleges.

''I suggest that we should seriously think of making sports and games a compulsory part of the educational syllabus in our schools and colleges. Countries that stand out in the world of sports are the ones that have in fact made them an integral part of their educational curricula.'' Dr Singh described as ''unfortunate'' Delhi's missing out on hosting the 2014 Asian Games.

''It is unfortunate that Delhi has missed an opportunity this time, but I am sure there will be other opportunities in the future,'' he said.

UNI