New Delhi, Apr 12 (UNI) In a bid to increase cooperation in he field of sports, India and Australia today launched Sports partnership in the presence of cricketing legend Sachin Tendulkar.

   The Partnership, which was launched by the Union Sports Minister Vijay Goel and the visiting Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull in Mumbai, will advance India – Australia cooperation in four areas - athlete and coach training and development, sport science, sport governance and integrity, and grassroots participation. Speaking on the occasion, Goel said,"We have a lot to learn and share with Australia in the field of sports. The India-Australia Sports Partnership would facilitate exchange of athletes, coaches, technical officials, sports scientists between two countries." The Minister said India has started taking sports as a very important component of public health management as well as education. "We have launched a major grassroots programme - Khelo India for developing a sporting culture at grass-roots level. We are planning to introduce sports as a compulsory subject in schools," added he. More UNI KU SHK 1551