Abhinav Bhatia, Senior Trade and Investment Commissioner for South Asia, outlines how sport has long had the remarkable ability to transcend borders, break down barriers, and unite people in ways that diplomacy cannot.
Nowhere is this more evident than in the evolving relationship between India and Australia - two nations with rich sporting traditions that have found common ground on cricket pitches, hockey fields and beyond.
Over the years, sport has not only brought their people together but also become a cornerstone of a deeper, strategic bilateral partnership.
Cricket: Rivalry, respect and reinvention
Cricket is at the heart of this shared journey. From the thrilling face-offs in the ICC World Cup to the fiercely contested Border-Gavaskar Trophy, the game reflects both rivalry and mutual respect. But cricket's influence goes far beyond the boundary lines.
In the Indian Premier League (IPL), players from both countries set aside national allegiances to join forces, creating friendships, mentorships and a shared culture of excellence. The IPL has become a bridge - where talent meets teamwork and rivalry transforms into camaraderie.
A vision for sporting synergy
Recognising the broader potential of sports diplomacy, India and Australia took a major step forward in August 2023 with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) focused on sports cooperation.
Signed by India's Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports and Australia's Department of Health and Aged Care, the MoU signals a shift towards a holistic sports development.
It covers everything from grassroots participation to elite training, emphasizing that sporting success is not just about medals - it's about building understanding, resilience and cross-cultural identity.
Australian expertise, Indian ambition
As India ramps up its efforts to become a global sporting powerhouse, Australian expertise in sports science, coaching and governance has become increasingly valuable.
From advanced athlete training programs to high-performance management systems, Australian institutions are supporting India's athletic evolution.
Indian athletes are already benefitting from these collaborations - gaining access to world-class coaching methods and sport technology previously beyond reach.
Queensland and the rise of innovation in Indian sport
Queensland, in particular, has emerged as a hub for this growing relationship. Through initiatives like the Sports Launchpad, Queensland-based companies are bringing cutting-edge innovation to India's vibrant sports ecosystem.
A recent delegation visited Mumbai, Ahmedabad and Bengaluru to explore partnerships in areas like sports analytics, esports training, inclusive athlete development and advanced team management.
These collaborations are not just about business - they're about shaping the future of sport for both countries.
The sporting partnership between India and Australia is an example of how sport can unite nations, cultures and communities.
A shared future: From the 2032 Brisbane Games to India's 2036 aspirations
Looking ahead, the roadmap is ambitious. Australia seeks to become India's premier partner in sports development over the next decade. Plans include implementing physical literacy programs in Indian schools, strengthening federations ties and building sustainable talent pipelines.
As Brisbane gears up to host the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games and India eyes a bid for the 2036 Games, the timing couldn't be better. Shared Olympic dreams are becoming the backdrop for deeper engagement and innovation in sports infrastructure and athlete development.
More than a partnership: A cultural connection
Australia's world-class training facilities, especially in Queensland, are already serving as shared platforms for cultural exchange and sporting excellence.
As Indian and Australian athletes train side by side, they're not just chasing personal glory - they're building a legacy of collaboration unity and mutual respect.
The power of play
The sporting partnership between India and Australia is more than a diplomatic success - it's a living, breathing example of how sport can unite nations, cultures and communities. From cricket pitches to kabbadi courts, coaching academies to high-tech labs, this relationship is growing stronger with every shared goal and handshake.
As both countries continue to invest in each other's success, they're crafting a new narrative - one where sport is not just a game, but a bridge to a brighter, more connected future.
A variation of this editorial was first published in ET Government on 9 April, 2025.
Abhinav Bhatia
Queensland Senior Trade and Investment Commissioner South Asia
Abhinav Bhatia was appointed commissioner for South Asia in June 2021. Prior to joining Trade and Investment Queensland, Abhinav worked for Enterprise Ireland as Director for India and South Asia.
Abhinav has specialised in international trade and investment for the past 15 years, working for a range of governments, corporates and not-for-profits. Past roles include Trade Commissioner for the Canadian Government, where he advised Canadian companies on international expansion into India and led several foreign direct investments into Canada.
Abhinav has also worked extensively in international education, supporting student recruitment and partnership development in India.
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