Gandhinagar: Union Minister of State for Youth Affairs and Sports, Raksha Khadse, inaugurated the Australia–India Sports Excellence Forum at GIFT City, Gujarat, on Wednesday. The two-day forum, a first-of-its-kind initiative, aims to deepen sports collaboration between India and Australia across multiple disciplines.
The event was attended by HE Philip Green OAM, Australian High Commissioner to India, Gujarat Sports Minister Harsh Sanghavi, as well as key stakeholders from Indian and Australian sporting institutions, higher education providers, and the sports industry. The discussions focused on Olympic and Paralympic collaboration, talent development, sports science, and event management.
Speaking at the inauguration, Khadse highlighted the growing sports partnership between the two nations beyond cricket and hockey. “A passion for sports is a common thread that connects India and Australia. Through this historic forum, we are expanding our collaboration into elite athlete development, sports infrastructure, and investments in sporting industries. India’s ambition to host the 2036 Olympics reflects our growing commitment to making sports a national priority,” she stated.
The forum aims to leverage Australia’s expertise in sports development, bringing global best practices to India as it works towards its Olympic and Paralympic ambitions. Key areas of focus include:
- Knowledge-sharing on organizing Olympic and Paralympic Games
- Strengthening ties between Indian and Australian educational and sporting institutions
- Encouraging corporate investment and trade in sports industries
- Enhancing athlete performance through advanced sports science and technology
- Developing a roadmap for long-term sports cooperation
Khadse also underlined India’s efforts in building a robust sports ecosystem through initiatives like Khelo India, TOPS, Fit India, and ASMITA under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. “Exchanges like these will transform India into a global sporting superpower. With strong international partnerships, we will develop world-class infrastructure and training facilities,” she added.
The Australia–India Sports Excellence Forum marks a significant step in shaping India’s future sports strategy, with Australia playing a key role as a strategic partner. The forum will conclude with recommendations for strengthening bilateral sports cooperation, including deeper collaboration between institutions, expanded higher education ties, and technical support for India’s Olympic and Paralympic roadmap.
