Leaders from government, academia and industry met in Melbourne on Friday to explore how Victoria and India can strengthen collaboration in high-performance sport, ahead of the T20 cricket match at the MCG.
The Victoria-India Sports Innovation Industry Roundtable focused on opportunities to expand Victoria’s role in helping India build a modern sporting ecosystem, including its ambitions to host the 2036 Summer Olympic and Paralympic Games.
Victoria’s India Strategy: Our Shared Future 2025–30 identifies sport as a key area for growth, highlighting the state’s expertise in sports science, research and technology. The roundtable connected visiting Indian organisations attending the Sports Tech World Series conference with Victorian counterparts already active in sports innovation.
Australia India Institute CEO Lisa Singh said sport continues to be one of the most powerful connections between the two nations. “Sport plays a vital role in engaging communities, providing pathways for participation, and acting as a bridge to enhance people to people relationships,” she said.
She added that cricket, in particular, has been instrumental in transforming the relationship. “In addition to the economic opportunities and social benefits, sport – in particular the great cricket culture between our two nations – has created a level playing field for closer ties between two countries who once sat on opposite sides of cold war blocs. Sport has provided a platform for co-operation and connection, serving as an avenue for engagement that transcends geopolitical tensions.”
Commissioner for Victoria to South Asia Michelle Wade said the event was about turning shared interests into practical outcomes. “Sports is highlighted in Victoria’s India Strategy and is a great opportunity to grow our commercial and community connections,” she said. “This roundtable brings together sports organisations, sports tech companies and sports educators from Victoria and India to share experiences and drive future economic and sports outcomes for Victoria and India.”
The roundtable was held in partnership with the Victorian Government and Sports Technology World Series as part of Australia Sports Innovation Week.
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