PM Modi and Australian PM Albanese release Sports Collaboration Roadmap

Melbourne, Jul 10 (PTI) Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Australian counterpart Anthony Albanese jointly released the India-Australia Sports Collaboration Roadmap at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) here on Friday. According to a release issued by the MEA, 'The Collaboration Roadmap' "would promote cooperation in the fields of sports training and capacity building, sports science and technology and sports industry and investment." One of the notable feature as a part of this collaboration was announcement of the inaugural match of the upcoming edition of Big Bash League being played at MA Chidambaram Stadium (Chepauk) in Chennai. The match will be held between Melbourne Renegades and Perth Scorchers. "Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi of the Republic of India, met in Melbourne today and announced that the opening Australian Men’s Big Bash League match will take place in Chennai in December this year. This will be the first foreign cricket league to play in India. The event will be the cornerstone of a week-long festival, called G’Day Namaste, to be held across India in December, featuring Australian cultural, business and sports events," a press note released by the Australian government stated. During the event at the MCG, two Prime Ministers were also accompanied by Premier of Victoria Jacinta Allan, ODI World Cup winning former men's captain Steve Waugh and women's skipper Lisa Sthalekar. "The visit underscored the growing importance of sports, cultural exchanges and people-to-people ties as pillars of the India-Australia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership," the MEA release further stated. As per the roadmap, an India-Australia Youth Sports Festival will also be organized. The two leaders welcomed the growing collaboration between India and Australia in the field of sports. Addressing the gathering, PM Modi highlighted the unique role of sports in bringing people together and noted that the Roadmap will enable the two countries to diversify their sporting partnership. Modi congratulated Australia for winning the women's cricket World Cup. He also noted that India and Australia were together entering a significant decade in international sports, with India hosting the Commonwealth Games in 2030 and Australia hosting the Brisbane Olympics in 2032. He emphasized that these developments create natural opportunities for closer bilateral cooperation in sports and associated industries. "Australia and India are united by our love and passion for sport. This sports roadmap will focus on practical priority areas such as capability building, technology and research to strengthen this cornerstone of our bilateral relationship," Albanese was quoted as saying the Australian government's release. "I am excited to expand cooperation with India on sport, which not only brings joy to Australians but boosts trade, tourism and investment," Albanese added. During the visit, the leaders interacted with young athletes participating in Kabbadi, Australian Football and Cricket exhibition games. The visit showcased the vibrant sporting and people-to-people connections between India and Australia. PTI KHS SSC MRM MRM