New Delhi, Aug. 27 -- Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke on India's lack of participation across a variety of sports in major sporting events such as the Olympics, saying that the country should take advantage of its huge coastline and vast mountains to excel in water and winter sports.

PM Modi was speaking to the athletes during the 'Khelo India Dialogue' via video conferencing.

Speaking to the athletes, he said, "This time, from the Red Fort (on Independence Day), I have also drawn the nation's attention towards a very major challenge related to sports. This challenge is connected to the Olympics."

"India does not participate in many of the sports that are part of the Olympics. This has been the case for decades. In the 2012 Olympics...