PM Modi, Albanese Launch India-Australia Sports Collaboration Roadmap at Melbourne Cricket Ground

Melbourne, July 10: Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese on Friday unveiled the India-Australia Sports Collaboration Roadmap at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground, marking a major step towards expanding cooperation in sports, youth engagement, sports science and investment. The two leaders, along with Victoria Premier Jacinta Allan, attended a special sporting event celebrating the strong sporting ties between India and Australia. Cricket legends Steve Waugh and Lisa Sthalekar were among the prominent personalities present on the occasion. The roadmap aims to strengthen collaboration in sports training, capacity building, sports technology, innovation and the sports industry. It also proposes an India-Australia Youth Sports Festival to promote grassroots participation and people-to-people connections. Prime Minister Modi said sports have the power to unite people across cultures and borders, adding that the initiative would further deepen and diversify the sporting partnership between the two countries. He highlighted upcoming global sporting opportunities, including India hosting the Commonwealth Games in 2030 and Australia preparing for the Brisbane Olympic Games in 2032, saying these events offer avenues for greater cooperation in sports infrastructure, technology and innovation. During the event, Modi and Albanese interacted with young athletes participating in exhibition matches of kabaddi, football and cricket. The sports roadmap is part of a broader India-Australia partnership covering areas such as defence, maritime security, clean energy, critical technologies, education, trade and people-to-people exchanges.