Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday described sports as a powerful bridge between India and New Zealand, saying the two countries are strengthening their partnership through greater sporting collaboration as they celebrate a century of sporting ties.
The Prime Minister made the remarks after attending a special sporting showcase with New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon following a gala luncheon themed “India-New Zealand: A Winning Partnership” in Auckland.
In a post on X, PM Modi said, “Sports have always been a strong bridge between India and New Zealand. This year, we are also marking a century of vibrant sporting ties. In Auckland, PM Luxon and I attended a Sporting Showcase, where we saw a range of cutting-edge sporting innovations. It was wonderful to see how technology and creativity are shaping the future of sports while bringing our two nations even closer.”
The gala luncheon, hosted by Prime Minister Luxon, was attended by eminent personalities from politics, business, industry, academia, technology, sports and the arts.
In his welcome address, Luxon highlighted the deep and enduring ties between India and New Zealand and outlined a shared vision for strengthening bilateral cooperation and advancing mutual prosperity.
PM Modi noted the complementarities between the two countries and welcomed the elevation of bilateral ties to a Strategic Partnership. He expressed confidence that the recently concluded India-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement (FTA) would create new opportunities for businesses, youth and farmers while helping achieve the goal of doubling bilateral trade by 2030.
Following the luncheon, PM Modi and Luxon toured an exhibition showcasing innovative sports equipment and interacted with decorated New Zealand athletes and other stakeholders associated with high-performance sports.
Recalling a century of sporting engagement between the two countries, PM Modi said the newly concluded Sports Joint Action Plan would help expand cooperation beyond cricket.
“This year, India and New Zealand celebrate the centenary of sporting ties between our two countries. The history created by the hockey team led by Major Dhyan Chand here a hundred years ago continues to inspire our sports partnership,” the Prime Minister said.
“To mark this occasion, we are organizing several sports events in both countries. We have developed a Sports Joint Action Plan to enhance cooperation in cricket as well as other sports. The recent coaching programme between New Zealand Rugby and Rugby India in Bhubaneswar has been a positive start,” he added.
The sporting showcase formed part of both countries’ efforts to deepen collaboration in sports, innovation and youth engagement, particularly as India prepares to host the 2030 Commonwealth Games while New Zealand continues to strengthen sporting exchanges under the newly established Strategic Partnership.
