Minister Raksha Khadse Inaugurates Australia-India Sports Excellence Forum in Gujarat
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Synopsis
On March 5, Minister of State Raksha Khadse launched the Australia-India Sports Excellence Forum in GIFT City, marking a significant initiative to enhance sports cooperation between the two nations, focusing on talent development and infrastructure.
Key Takeaways
- Expansion of sports partnership beyond cricket and hockey.
- Focus on talent development and private sector engagement.
- Utilization of Australian expertise in sports development.
- Collaboration on Olympic and Paralympic initiatives.
- Establishment of a roadmap for future sports cooperation.
Gandhinagar, March 5 (NationPress) Minister of State for Youth Affairs and Sports, Raksha Khadse, officially launched the Australia–India Sports Excellence Forum at GIFT City on Wednesday. This pioneering two-day forum aims to enhance sports collaboration between the two nations.
Also in attendance were Philip Green OAM, the Australian High Commissioner to India, Harsh Sanghavi, Minister of Sports, Youth Service and Cultural Activities in Gujarat, along with other esteemed guests.
The morning session featured key Australian sports leaders, representatives from Indian and Australian sporting organizations, educational institutions, and industry stakeholders. The forum's primary goal is to identify opportunities for cooperation in Olympic and Paralympic initiatives, talent cultivation, sports science advancements, and event management, as stated by the Sports Ministry in a release.
MoS Raksha Khadse underscored the expanding partnership between India and Australia in sports beyond just cricket and hockey, noting the importance of talent development, private sector involvement, sports science, and commerce within the sports sector.
“A shared passion for sports unites India and Australia. Through this landmark forum, we are extending our partnership beyond cricket and hockey to encompass elite athlete training, sports infrastructure development, and investments in the sporting industry. India’s goal to host the 2036 Olympics highlights our nation’s growing prowess and dedication to sports,” she stated.
“With programs like Khelo India, TOPS, Fit India, and ASMITA, we are striving to establish a strong sports ecosystem under the insightful leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi ji,” the minister remarked.
The forum aims to utilize Australia’s experience in sports development and introduce best practices to India as it prepares for its bid for the 2036 Olympics and Paralympics.
Topics of discussion will include elite talent development, major event management, inclusivity, developmental pathways from grassroots to elite levels, and advancements in sports science.
The primary objectives encompass sharing knowledge regarding the organization of the Olympic and Paralympic Games, enhancing collaboration between Indian and Australian educational and sports institutions, fostering corporate investment and trade in sports-related sectors, improving athlete performance with cutting-edge sports science and technology, and establishing a roadmap for future initiatives.
Highlighting Gujarat as a burgeoning center for sports infrastructure, Raksha Khadse expressed optimism about India’s aspiration to emerge as a sporting superpower. “I believe that exchanges like this will play a crucial role in transforming India, or Bharat, into a global sporting powerhouse. The culture of sports will continue to flourish, and through strong partnerships, we will create world-class infrastructure and training facilities,” she stated.
The Australia–India Sports Excellence Forum signifies a crucial advancement in India’s path toward developing a more robust and competitive sports ecosystem, with Australia as a vital strategic ally. A series of recommendations will be put forth to steer India–Australia sports collaboration.
This involves nurturing closer ties between sporting organizations, reinforcing higher education partnerships, and bolstering India's long-term Olympic and Paralympic strategy with Australian expertise.
