Mr Modi hoped that Indian sportspersons will be able to win hearts in Rio Olympics.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday flagged off the "Run for Rio" event in Delhi from Major Dhyanchand National Stadium near India Gate, where he made a strong pitch to promote sports in the country.
Assuring "all possible help" to the Indian contingent at the Rio Olympic Games 2016, scheduled to begin on August 5, the Prime Minister hoped that Indian sportspersons will be able to win hearts of people from across the world.
"I hope these 119 sportspersons will perform well (in the games), and they will be able to win hearts of the people, who come there from different parts of the world," PM Modi said.
The Prime Minister also expressed satisfaction over the fact that India, this time around, was able to send a strong contingent of 119 sportspersons to the Rio Olympic Games.
"India has been associated with the Olympic Games for over 100 years but only this year we were able to send 119 sportspersons to Rio," he said.
"Every player has worked hard to get here. They will surely give their best. I am sure our athletes will win hearts of the world and will show the world what India is about," Mr Modi said in his speech before flagging off the event.
The PM hoped that there is an athlete from every district in India for the next Olympics in Tokyo.
"Sports is a necessity of life. Let everyone play and shine," the PM said.
Mr Modi added that the entire contingent was prepared well and government took special care of their training.
"As per norms, players are taken to the venue two days before the start of every Games. This time, however, we are sending the contingent well in advance, so that players get acclimatized with local conditions," he said.
The prime minister also said that the government has ensured that the contingent get 'desi' food during the Olympics event.
The government has also increased the daily allowance for athletes, Mr Modi said, amid loud cheers of 'Modi, Modi' during his speech.
"Government prepared a total budget of 125 crores. Indian government has spent between 30 lakhs to 1.5 crore on each player," he said, adding "Each member of the contingent will get 100 dollars."