Melbourne, July 9 -- Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke on India's rising stature in the world of sports and brand Australia, expressing optimism that the partnership between the two countries will "continue to expand."

PM Modi was addressing the Indian diaspora at the 'Melbourne Meets Modi' event during his three-day visit to Australia on Thursday.

Speaking to the audience, PM Modi said that sports is one of the sectors that "further strengthens the bond between two nations". He also brought up India's successful 'Khelo India' initiative, through which a pool of players is prepared right from the school level and 'Khelo India Games', which take place at a variety of levels, giving people across different communities and both genders a ...