PM Modi, PM of Australia jointly unveil India-Australia sports collaboration roadmap; how cooperation in fields of sports get a boost
Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited the Melbourne Cricket Ground accompanied by the Prime Minister of Australia, the Anthony Albanese and the Premier of Victoria, Jacinta Allan, for an event celebrating India-Australia sporting ties.
Several Australian sporting legends, including Steve Waugh and Ms Lisa Sthalekar, were present at the event. The visit underlined the growing importance of sports, cultural exchanges and people-to-people ties as pillars of the India-Australia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
At the event, the two Prime Ministers jointly released the India-Australia Sports Collaboration Roadmap which would promote cooperation in the fields of sports training and capacity building, sports science and technology, and sports industry and investment. It also aims to organize an India-Australia Youth Sports Festival. The two leaders welcomed the growing collaboration between India and Australia in the field of sports.
Addressing the gathering, Prime Minister Modi highlighted the unique role of sports in bringing people together and noted that the Roadmap will enable the two countries to diversify their sporting partnership. He congratulated Australia for winning the women's cricket World Cup.
PM Modi noted that India and Australia were together entering a significant decade in international sports, with India hosting the Commonwealth Games in 2030 and Australia hosting the Brisbane Olympics in 2032. He emphasized that these developments create natural opportunities for closer bilateral cooperation in sports and associated industries.
During the visit, the leaders interacted with young athletes participating in Kabaddi, Australian Football and Cricket exhibition games.
The visit showcased the vibrant sporting and people-to-people connections between India and Australia.
A powerful bridge between India and Australia
Sports is a powerful bridge between India and Australia, bringing communities together and opening new pathways for collaboration.
Building on the 2023 MoU on Cooperation in Sports, the India-Australia Roadmap for Sports Collaboration sets out practical, future-focused priorities and opportunities to strengthen this cornerstone of our bilateral relationship.
Recognising the decade of opportunity ahead — including the 2030 Commonwealth Games in Ahmedabad, the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games, and India’s ambition to host a future Olympic and Paralympic Games — this Roadmap identifies targeted areas of cooperation aligned to shared priorities, capabilities and resources.
Respecting differences in the governance of sport and the development of sport ecosystems in Australia and India, the two countries are committed to facilitating engagement and supporting collaborative ways of working between relevant institutions, to encourage stronger sports partnerships at all levels that benefits both countries.
Implementation will be pragmatic and outcomes-focused, with activities prioritised in line with available resources and major event timelines.