Union Minister of State for Youth Affairs and Sports, Smt. Raksha Khadse, officially launched the Australia-India Sports Excellence Forum at GIFT City, Gandhinagar, Gujarat, on Wednesday. This two-day event marks a pioneering effort to enhance sports collaboration between the two countries.
The event was attended by HE Philip Green OAM, Australian High Commissioner to India, along with Gujarat’s Minister of Sports, Youth Service, and Cultural Activities, Shri Harsh Sanghavi, and other distinguished guests. The morning session featured key figures from Australian elite sports, representatives from Indian and Australian sporting institutions, higher education providers, and industry experts. The forum aims to foster collaboration in areas such as Olympic and Paralympic bids, athlete development, sports science, and event management.
Union Minister Smt. Raksha Khadse highlighted the expanding sports partnership between India and Australia, moving beyond traditional domains like cricket and hockey. She emphasized key areas of cooperation, including talent development, private sector participation, advancements in sports science, and trade in sporting industries. “Sports serve as a unifying force between India and Australia. Through this landmark forum, we are broadening our collaboration into elite athlete training, sports infrastructure, and investments in the sports sector. India’s aspiration to host the 2036 Olympics showcases our nation’s growing potential and dedication to the world of sports,” she stated.
“With initiatives such as Khelo India, TOPS, Fit India, and ASMITA, we are striving to create a strong sporting ecosystem under the visionary leadership of Hon’ble Prime Minister Narendra Modi ji,” she stated.
The forum aims to utilize Australia’s expertise in sports development and integrate best practices into India’s preparations for its 2036 Olympics and Paralympics bid. Discussions focused on elite athlete training, managing major sporting events, promoting diversity and inclusion, and advancing sports science. The primary goals include exchanging knowledge on hosting Olympic and Paralympic Games, strengthening collaborations between Indian and Australian sports and educational institutions, encouraging corporate investments and trade in the sports sector, improving athlete performance through cutting-edge sports science, and establishing a strategic roadmap for the future.
Emphasizing Gujarat’s emergence as a key hub for sports infrastructure, Smt. Khadse expressed confidence in India’s ambition to become a global sporting powerhouse. “I firmly believe that initiatives like this will contribute to India’s rise as a formidable force in the sporting world. With continued partnerships, we will expand the culture of sports and develop world-class training facilities and infrastructure,” she remarked.
The Australia–India Sports Excellence Forum represents a crucial milestone in India’s efforts to strengthen its sporting landscape, with Australia playing a vital role as a strategic partner. The forum will also outline key recommendations to enhance India-Australia sports collaboration, including closer ties between sporting institutions, expanded higher education partnerships, and leveraging Australian expertise to support India’s long-term Olympic and Paralympic aspirations.