Modi, Albanese unveil sports strategy plan

New Delhi, India Jul 10, 2026 ALN: New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Australian counterpart Anthony Albanese on Friday unveiled the India-Australia Sports Collaboration Roadmap at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, with Canberra backing India's bid to host the 2036 Olympic Games.

This announcement marks a significant milestone in the bilateral relations between India and Australia, particularly in the realm of sports, which has become an increasingly important aspect of international diplomacy. The collaboration is expected to foster not only athletic excellence but also cultural exchange and mutual understanding between the two nations.

Addressing the gathering, Modi stated that India is preparing to host the Commonwealth Games in 2030 and is striving to stage the Olympic Games in 2036, with sports infrastructure set to be developed on a massive scale over the coming years. The roadmap builds on the 2023 Memorandum of Understanding on Cooperation in Sports and identifies practical areas for collaboration as both countries prepare for a decade of major international sporting events, including the 2030 Commonwealth Games in Ahmedabad and the 2032 Brisbane Olympic and Paralympic Games. This framework is particularly significant as it not only underscores India's growing ambition in the global sports arena but also reflects Australia's commitment to supporting emerging sports markets.

The collaboration between India and Australia in sports is not just a matter of shared interests but also a strategic initiative aimed at leveraging each country's strengths. India, with its vast population and emerging sports culture, presents a lucrative market for sports engagement, while Australia boasts a rich sporting legacy and a well-established framework for high-performance sports. The roadmap outlines a series of initiatives aimed at harnessing these strengths.

According to the roadmap, India and Australia will work together to share best practices on establishing and operating high-performance sports centres in India, particularly in priority sports. This initiative is expected to enhance the training and development of athletes in India, where sports have historically received less attention compared to other sectors. The two countries will facilitate two-way exchanges of coaches and coach educators using a "Train the Trainer" model, which aims to build local capacity and expertise in coaching. This model is particularly effective in developing sustainable sports programs that can continue to thrive independently.

Moreover, the roadmap explores introducing a physical education exchange programme to promote collaboration in school sports, sports science, and community participation. This initiative recognizes the importance of grassroots sports and aims to instill a culture of sports among young people in both countries. By encouraging school-level participation, the countries hope to develop a new generation of athletes who can compete on the world stage.

Hailing the inaugural Big Bash League match scheduled to be played in Chennai in December 2026, the roadmap encourages Cricket Australia and the Board of Control for Cricket in India to work towards hosting annual BBL matches in India. This initiative not only aims to enhance the popularity of cricket in India but also serves as a platform for Australian players to engage with Indian fans and vice versa. The presence of international matches can significantly elevate the profile of domestic leagues and inspire local talent.

Australia's Sports Commission will also play a crucial role in strengthening the capabilities of selected Indian coaches through the India-Australia High Performance Coach Development Programme. This program is designed to elevate coaching standards in India, ensuring that athletes receive world-class training and support. In addition, both sides will explore opportunities for talented young Indian athletes to participate in high-performance programmes in Australia through scholarships supported by the Government of India, further bridging the gap between the two nations in terms of sports development.

The roadmap also places a strong emphasis on promoting women's leadership, health, participation, and high-performance sport. Joint initiatives are planned, including bilateral tournaments for women athletes. This initiative draws on the Australian Sports Commission's flagship programmes and recognizes sport as an important pathway for women's empowerment, leadership, health, and social inclusion. By focusing on women's sports, both nations aim to address gender disparities in athletics and encourage more women to participate in sports at all levels.

In a broader cultural context, the roadmap proposes collaboration to promote yoga and yogasana in Australia through knowledge sharing and greater participation. This initiative not only highlights the cultural ties between India and Australia but also promotes wellness and holistic health through traditional Indian practices. The inclusion of yoga in the sports collaboration framework reflects a growing global trend towards integrating mental and physical wellness into athletic training.

Furthermore, India and Australia will strengthen cooperation in hosting major sporting events by exchanging best practices with Australian states, territories, and national sporting organisations. This collaboration will provide India with valuable insights into event management and logistics, which are critical for successfully hosting large-scale international events.

The roadmap proposes exploring exhibition matches and youth events in sports of mutual interest, including kabaddi and kho kho in Australia, and Australian rules football and basketball in India. This initiative not only aims to diversify the sports landscape in both countries but also fosters cultural exchange through sports. By introducing lesser-known sports to new audiences, both nations can enhance their sporting diversity and encourage broader participation.

In conclusion, the India-Australia Sports Collaboration Roadmap represents a comprehensive approach to enhancing sports cooperation between the two countries. It aims to create a sustainable framework for sports development that benefits athletes, coaches, and communities in both nations. As India prepares to host major international sporting events, the collaboration with Australia is poised to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of sports in India and strengthening bilateral ties through a shared passion for athletics.