Australia-India Sports Forum Launches New Era
In a landmark event, Union Minister of State for Youth Affairs and Sports, Smt. Raksha Khadse, inaugurated the Australia–India Sports Excellence Forum at GIFT City in Gandhinagar, Gujarat, on Wednesday. This two-day forum aims to enhance sports collaboration between the two nations, marking a significant step in their partnership beyond traditional sports like cricket and hockey.
Key Participants and Objectives
The forum brought together prominent figures, including HE Philip Green OAM, the Australian High Commissioner to India, and Shri Harsh Sanghavi, Gujarat’s Minister of Sports, Youth Service, and Cultural Activities. The morning session featured Australian elite sports decision-makers, representatives from Indian and Australian sporting institutions, higher education providers, and industry stakeholders. The primary focus of the forum is to explore collaborative opportunities in areas such as Olympic and Paralympic bids, talent development, sports science, and event management.
During her address, Minister Khadse emphasized the importance of expanding the India-Australia sports partnership. She highlighted the need for collaboration in talent development, private sector engagement, and trade in sporting industries. “A passion for sports is a common thread that connects India and Australia. Through this historic forum, we are expanding this partnership into elite athlete development, sports infrastructure, and investment in sporting industries,” she stated. Khadse also noted India’s ambition to host the 2036 Olympics, showcasing the nation’s commitment to enhancing its sports capabilities.
Building a Robust Sports Ecosystem
Minister Khadse outlined various initiatives aimed at strengthening India’s sports ecosystem, including Khelo India, TOPS, Fit India, and ASMITA. She expressed confidence that these programs, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, would contribute to building a robust sporting environment in India. The forum aims to leverage Australian expertise in sports development and introduce best practices to India as it prepares for its Olympic and Paralympic bids.
Discussions at the forum focused on several key areas, including elite talent development, major sporting event management, diversity and inclusion, and sports science. The objectives include sharing knowledge on organizing Olympic and Paralympic Games, strengthening ties between Indian and Australian educational and sporting institutions, encouraging corporate investment in sports, enhancing athlete performance through advanced sports science, and creating a roadmap for future collaboration.
Gujarat’s Role in Sports Development
Highlighting Gujarat’s emergence as a hub for sports infrastructure, Smt. Khadse expressed optimism about India’s potential to become a global sporting powerhouse. She stated, “I am confident that exchanges like this will contribute toward making India a global sporting force. The culture of sports will continue to grow, and with strong partnerships, we will develop world-class infrastructure and training facilities.”
The Australia–India Sports Excellence Forum represents a pivotal moment in India’s journey to enhance its competitive sports ecosystem, with Australia positioned as a key strategic partner. A set of recommendations will be developed to guide future cooperation, focusing on fostering closer relationships between sporting institutions, strengthening higher education collaborations, and supporting India’s long-term Olympic and Paralympic strategies with Australian expertise.
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