New Delhi, Sept. 27 -- Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday recalled the talent hunt campaign for sports announced by him on Independence Day this year and said it is essential to reach out "to villages and towns to discover sporting talent".

In his monthly Mann Ki Baat programme, PM Modi lauded efforts to boost talent at the grassroots.

He hailed former hockey player Rajinder Singh's efforts to nurture talent. Rajinder Singh is a 1980 Olympic gold medalist and an Asian Games silver medalist as well. Under his coaching, India also won the 2001 Junior Men's World Cup and 2003 Asia Cup title. He also top-scored during the 1982 Hockey World Cup with 12 goals.

"I announced a talent hunt campaign for sports from the Red Fort this time. To...