India and Australia on Friday, July 10, unveiled a roadmap to strengthen bilateral cooperation in sports, outlining initiatives spanning high-performance training, sports science, major sporting events, industry partnerships and women’s participation.The roadmap builds on the 2023 Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Cooperation in Sports and identifies practical areas of 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. It also supports India’s ambition to host a future edition of the Olympic and Paralympic Games.
Focus on high-performance sports and coach development
India and Australia will work together to share best practices on establishing and operating high-performance sports centres in India, particularly in priority sports.The two countries will facilitate two-way exchanges of coaches and coach educators using a “Train the Trainer” model and explore introducing a physical education exchange programme to promote collaboration in school sports, sports science and community participation.Australia’s Sports Commission will also help build the capabilities of selected Indian coaches through the India-Australia High Performance Coach Development Programme. 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.The roadmap also proposes collaboration to promote yoga and yogasana in Australia through knowledge sharing and greater participation.Joint research in sports science and integrityThe roadmap encourages universities in both countries to undertake joint research projects in areas including athlete performance analytics, injury prevention, sports nutrition, wearable performance technology, recovery techniques and para sports.On sports integrity, Australia’s Sport Integrity agency and India’s National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA) will continue contributing to international anti-doping efforts through World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) capacity-building programmes and cooperation under the UNESCO International Convention against Doping in Sport.Also Read: Australia to support India’s bid to host 2036 Olympics, PM Albanese says – CNBC TV18Collaboration on major sporting eventsIndia and Australia will also strengthen cooperation in hosting major sporting events by exchanging best practices with Australian states, territories and national sporting organisations.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.The two countries also plan to establish reciprocal arrangements between sporting bodies for sharing facilities, competitions and support networks during the lead-up to major events such as the Olympic, Paralympic and Commonwealth Games.Welcoming the inaugural Big Bash League (BBL) match scheduled to be played in Chennai in December 2026, the roadmap encourages Cricket Australia and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to work towards hosting annual BBL matches in India.Sports business and investmentBuilding on the Australia-funded Sports Industry Summit in Mumbai in December 2026, both countries will promote partnerships in sports equipment manufacturing, sports media and broadcasting, event management and sports technology start-ups.The two sides will also facilitate market access for sports businesses, expand India’s exports of sports goods to Australia and promote Australian expertise in high-performance coaching, athlete wellbeing, nutrition, psychology and strength and conditioning.Women’s participation in sportsBoth countries plan to launch joint initiatives to promote women’s leadership, health, participation and high-performance sports, including bilateral tournaments for women athletes. The initiative draws on the Australian Sports Commission’s flagship programmes and recognises sport as an important pathway for women’s economic empowerment, leadership, health and social inclusion.Also Read: Explained: Why the Australia-India uranium deal is a game changer for India’s nuclear ambitions
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