NEW DELHI, Aug. 27 -- Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports Mansukh Mandaviya on Thursday said Prime Minister Narendra Modi's personal engagement with athletes has played a key role in strengthening India's sporting ecosystem and boosting the confidence of sportspersons across the country.

Speaking during the Khelo India Samvaad programme, held virtually as part of National Sports Day celebrations, Mandaviya said athletes regard the Prime Minister as a source of encouragement because of his consistent support during both victories and setbacks.

The programme connected youth and athletes from more than 5,000 institutions across the country through video conferencing.

Addressing participants from IIT Gandhinagar, Mandaviya said spo...