In a significant step towards strengthening bilateral sports cooperation, Union Minister of State for Youth Affairs and Sports, Raksha Khadse, and Gujarat Minister for Sports, Harsh Sanghavi, joined Australian High Commissioner to India, Philip Green, at the inaugural Australia-India Sports Excellence Forum in GIFT City, Gandhinagar.
The two-day forum, a joint initiative of the Australian and Gujarat governments, aims to foster collaboration in key sporting areas, including elite talent development, sports science, private sector engagement, and major event management. With India’s ambition to host the 2036 Olympics, the discussions have taken on added significance.
Stage is set for the first of its kind
— Philip Green OAM (@AusHCIndia) March 5, 2025Sports Excellence Forum in #Gujarat. Stay tuned for extracts from my address on the vast opportunities to grow our cooperation and for Australia to further support #India’s sporting achievements
#AUSINDsportsForum #SportsDiplomacy pic.twitter.com/1EJqDt8o4f
Welcoming the delegation, Australian High Commissioner Philip Green highlighted the deep sporting connections between the two nations.
“Australia and India share a passion for sport, and this forum is a natural extension of that relationship. It is with these people-to-people links in mind that we are building partnerships—to make the most of our values and rivalry, to enhance our competitiveness and our sporting culture.”
Bilateral exchanges are great opportunities for the countries to brainstorm, idea exchange and work towards mutual and shared vision. Passion for sports is a common thread that connects India
— Raksha Khadse (@khadseraksha) March 5, 2025.
1/4 pic.twitter.com/6RNkXPu7Pv
Union Minister Raksha Khadse echoed this sentiment, underscoring the importance of bilateral exchanges in sports development.
“Passion for sports is a common thread that connects India and Australia. This historic forum expands our partnership beyond cricket and hockey into elite athlete development, sports infrastructure, and investment in sporting industries.”
As India moves towards its goal of hosting the 2036 Olympics, Khadse emphasised the role of such forums in achieving sporting excellence. “With initiatives like Khelo India, TOPS, Fit India, and ASMITA, we are building a robust sporting ecosystem under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi ji,” she said, adding that collaboration with Australia will help integrate best practices into India’s sporting framework.
In his speech, High Commissioner Green also highlighted Australia’s Olympic expertise and its willingness to support India’s Olympic aspirations.
“Australia, a country of only 26 million people, was fourth on the Paris 2024 medal table. Over the next two days, we will discuss how our expertise in elite sports development and major event hosting can contribute to India’s journey towards the 2036 Games.”
The forum brought together top decision-makers from both nations, including Kieren Perkins, CEO of the Australian Sports Commission; Robyn Smith OAM, Governing Board Member of the International Paralympic Committee; Simon Hollingsworth, CEO of Athletics Australia; and David Pryles, CEO of Hockey Australia. On the Indian side, key officials such as Colonel N S Johal, CEO of the Target Olympic Podium Scheme; Adille Sumariwala, President of the Athletics Federation of India; and Sandip Sagale, Director General of the Sports Authority of Gujarat are actively participating.
Gujarat Minister Harsh Sanghavi underscored the state’s commitment to sports development, noting Gujarat’s successful hosting of the 2022 National Games and its continued investment in sports infrastructure. “India and Australia share a rich history of sporting excellence, and this forum provides an exceptional platform to further strengthen our sporting ties,” he said.
“It is an exciting new chapter in our shared commitment to elevating sports, empowering youth, and promoting healthy competition on the global stage.”
While focusing on athletic development, the forum also delves into the broader sports ecosystem, including sports tourism, trade, and private-sector investment. Discussions include the role of sports science, inclusivity in sports, and leveraging corporate engagement to enhance athlete performance.
High Commissioner Green noted that Australian firms are already contributing to India’s sporting landscape, citing Populous’ involvement in designing the Narendra Modi Stadium and the presence of Deakin University, which is exploring further sports education opportunities in India.
This first-of-its-kind forum marks a turning point in Australia-India sports cooperation. The event builds upon the commitment made by Prime Minister Modi and Prime Minister Albanese at the 2024 India-Australia Annual Summit, where both leaders underscored the potential of sports as a key pillar of bilateral relations.
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