India, April 13 -- LUCKNOW Defence minister Rajnath Singh on Monday said that India was earlier recognised as a nation that only played cricket and hockey, and asserted that the country is now successfully carving out a distinct identity for itself in major sporting events across the globe.

"Around 10-12 years ago, sports didn't get due importance. We were known only for cricket and hockey. And when it came to Olympic Games, we were often unable to even register our name on medals tally. However, India is now successfully carving out a distinct identity for itself in major sporting events across the globe," he said inaugurating the second edition of the Sansad Khel Mahakumbh at KD Singh 'Babu' Stadium here.

The minister pressed a remote...