Gujarat rising sporting powerhouse: Sanghavi; need to focus on other states too, says Union minister

“Jaise yahan par Harshji ne kaha ki Gujarat ek main state hai jahan par ye sab infrastructure hum develop kar sakte hain par uske sath hi main ye bhi kahna chahungi ki hamare Bharat desh me hamare Gujarat ke sath hamein aur states ki taraf bhi focus karna hai ki aane vale dino me hum sports ka culture jyada se jyada bhada payein aur har state ko hum ek sath aage lekar jayein aur jab 2036 me Olympics yahan par host hoga toh Bharat eksaath pura aage badhega. (Harsh Sanghavi said that Gujarat is a state where we can develop all these infrastructure, but I would like to say that … we have to focus on other states too. In the coming days, we can increase to the maximum the culture of sports so that every state is taken forward. When the Olympics will be hosted in 2036, India, as a country, will move forward),” Khadse said, while also mentioning that “all industries present” retorted to Sangahvi’s push for promoting Gujarat as a land of opportunities, citing one of the best sport manufacturing policies.

“Jaise yahan par Harshji ne kaha ki Gujarat ek main state hai jahan par ye sab infrastructure hum develop kar sakte hain par uske sath hi main ye bhi kahna chahungi ki hamare Bharat desh me hamare Gujarat ke sath hamein aur states ki taraf bhi focus karna hai ki aane vale dino me hum sports ka culture jyada se jyada bhada payein aur har state ko hum ek sath aage lekar jayein aur jab 2036 me Olympics yahan par host hoga toh Bharat eksaath pura aage badhega. (Harsh Sanghavi said that Gujarat is a state where we can develop all these infrastructure, but I would like to say that … we have to focus on other states too. In the coming days, we can increase to the maximum the culture of sports so that every state is taken forward. When the Olympics will be hosted in 2036, India, as a country, will move forward),” Khadse said, while also mentioning that “all industries present” retorted to Sangahvi’s push for promoting Gujarat as a land of opportunities, citing one of the best sport manufacturing policies.

Further, to Sanghavi’s statements, Khadse said that India’s ambition to host the 2036 Olympics is a proof of the country’s increasing strength, determination and commitment. “Financially, I am confident that an exchange like this forum will contribute towards making India ‘a sports superpower’,” she added.

“The passion for sports is a common thread that connects India and Australia. So far, this passion for sports has been seen only in cricket and hockey. Now through this forum, it is said to reach new areas like talent development, sporting event management, inclusivity in sports, role of private sector and education science in sports. It will also provide trade tourism and investment in sporting industries,” she further stated.

In his address, Sanghavi said, “Gujarat is a rising sporting powerhouse. Gujarat has always been a land of champions, warriors and trailblazers. Today we are scripting a new chapter as a sports hub, aligning with PM Narendra Modi’s vision of Make in India with global sporting superpower. The Narendra Modi Stadium, the world’s largest, has become an iconic venue witnessing historic sporting moments and other cultural events. Gujarat is investing heavily in sports infrastructure, training academies, and grassroots development, ensuring the next generation of athletes gets the world-class exposure they deserve.”

Inviting all stakeholders present to explore opportunities in Gujarat, Sanghavi also said, “Gujarat is having one of the best sports manufacturing policies. For those who are interested in setting up their unit in sports sector, Gujarat is one of the best lands where they can get most of the opportunities.”

With discussions on the key to successful Olympics and Paralympics bids, fostering elite sports talent, paralympic sports development, sports science and technology, and hosting major events, the Australia-India Sports Excellence Forum, a joint initiative between the Australian and Gujarat governments, was inaugurated.

“As the state is deeply investing in sports development, Gujarat looks forward to meaningful collaborations with Australia, especially on matters related to expertise in hosting sporting events. Beyond the game, we have a good cultural and strategic bond. Cricket diplomacy has played a pivotal role in strengthening India’s ties, with legends like Bret Lee and Matthew Hayden embracing India as their second home. Today, as Gujarat looks towards further progressing its sporting prowess and potentially hosting mega sporting events, our collaboration must extend to sports, education, technology, grassroots development and infrastructure management. Australia’s expertise in sports science, high performance training, coaching and event management is globally recognised and by leveraging this expertise, Gujarat aims to create a more robust and inclusive sports ecosystem. Such partnership will equip our coaches, administrators and sports scientists, with world-class training strengthening Gujarat’s sports landscape from grassroots to elite levels,” Sanghavi added.

Furthering his push for Gujarat, Sanghavi said, “Beyond education, we invite Australian corporate sponsors, technology providers and industry partners to explore opportunities in sports in Gujarat, expanding the sports sector from stadium management and sports technology to athlete training programme and development. There is vast potential for mutually beneficial collaborations. Gujarat is committed to sustainability in sports infrastructure. We seek collaborations on green stadiums, eco-friendly sports facilities and sustainable event planning. The Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Enclave is envisioned and has highest international standards and sustainable principles with global best practices. Even after conclusion (of the sporting events) Gujarat is keen to adapt the best practices to maximise the post-event optimisation of sport infrastructure, drive community engagement and integrate sports facilities into urban development by ensuring that our investment in sports create lasting social, economic and community impact. We are committed to making Gujarat a sustainable inclusive and thriving sporting destination. Gujarat stands ready to collaborate, innovate and invest in the future of sports alongside our Australian friends.”

Meanwhile, Australian High Commissioner Philip Green said, “Australia likes to imagine itself as an incredibly strong competitor in the Olympics – and in Paris last year, that was a good demonstration. Australia, a country of only 26 million people, was fourth on the Paris medal table. Over the next two days, you will hear about our abilities to develop elite sport, our plans to host Olympics in Brisbane in 2032. And when it comes to sports management, we have a once-in-a-generation opportunity to work closely with India as it moves towards its 2036 Olympic ambitions,”

Citing bilateral relations, Green said, “At the end of the day, the reason the Australian government is investing so strongly is not only our strong bilateral relationship, and our complementary economies, but also recognition of our people. The Indian diaspora in Australia is now the fastest growing migrant community in Australia. It creates what Prime Minister Modi likes to call the human bridge. It has grown to approximately 1 million people, which may not sound a lot in an Indian context, but for us, that’s a very large number. It is 4% of Australia’s population. And we know Australian-Indians are more likely than others in our country to be engaged in community organisations, including in sports …They (Indian diaspora) are an important bridge in business, including sports business.”

With Australia to host the 2032 Olympics and Paralympic Games in Brisbane, and India’s ambitions to host the 2036 games, the forum is expected to present an important opportunity to discuss the synergies and wealth of opportunities in Australia-India sports cooperation.

The Indian Express