Prime Minister Narendra Modi, addressing the Indian diaspora at the 'Melbourne Meets Modi' event during his three-day visit to Australia, highlighted Australia's stature as a brand in the world of sports and India's ongoing transformation in the sports ecosystem. He expressed confidence that the partnership between the two countries in sports will continue to expand.
Sports as a Bond Between Nations
Speaking to the audience on Thursday, PM Modi emphasized that sports is a sector that further strengthens the bond between nations. He cited India's successful 'Khelo India' initiative, which prepares a pool of players from the school level and includes the 'Khelo India Games' at various levels, providing opportunities for people across communities and genders to excel.
"Australia is a brand in itself within the world of sports. However, the sports ecosystem in India is also undergoing a transformation," PM Modi said. He noted that Khelo India prepares a pool of players right from the school level, with lakhs of Indian athletes participating in the games. Infrastructure is being developed in remote areas, women are getting chances to excel, career opportunities are being created, and sports are being linked to fitness.
India's Future Sports Ambitions
PM Modi highlighted that Indian athletes and teams are improving, and India is set to host the 2030 Commonwealth Games and is a contender to host the 2036 Olympics. "I am fully confident that the partnership between Australia and India in the field of sports will continue to expand," he added.
Strengthened Ties with Australia
Reflecting on India-Australia relations, PM Modi expressed gratitude to his friend Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, who attended the event in Melbourne as well. "Melbourne ne maidan maar liya hai," Modi quipped. He recalled that Albanese was with him in Sydney and now in Melbourne, coming full circle from Ahmedabad's world's largest cricket stadium to Melbourne's iconic stadium.
Modi noted that Albanese captures the hearts and minds of Indians whenever he speaks, making a tremendous impact in Sydney and captivating everyone in Melbourne. The Prime Minister recalled that his 2014 visit was the first by an Indian PM in 28 years, and he promised then that the wait would not be that long again. This is his third visit in 12 years, a hat-trick that demonstrates the great heights of India-Australia relations. "And do you know who played the biggest role in this? It was not Modi; it was all of you," he told the diaspora.
Visit Details
PM Modi is on a three-day visit to Australia from July 8 to 10. The event in Melbourne was part of his engagements to strengthen bilateral ties and connect with the Indian community.
