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Prime Minister Narendra Modi has reaffirmed the unifying power of sports, calling it a field that connects people across borders, cultures, and communities. Speaking at a joint press conference with Fiji’s Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka during his official visit to India, Modi spotlighted rugby in Fiji and cricket in India as emblematic of how sports transcend boundaries and foster mutual respect. The remarks come amid growing collaboration between India and Fiji in sports development, particularly in rugby and cricket.
Key Highlights From The Joint Address
- PM Modi emphasized that sports serve as a powerful connector between nations and people
- He cited rugby in Fiji and cricket in India as prime examples of cultural bonding through sport
- Modi acknowledged the contribution of Fijian rugby legend Waisale Serevi, now head coach of India’s men’s and women’s rugby teams
- Indian coaches will soon assist in developing Fiji’s national cricket team, marking a new chapter in bilateral sports cooperation
India-Fiji Sports Collaboration
- Waisale Serevi, widely regarded as the greatest rugby sevens player in history, joined India’s rugby program last year
- His appointment has elevated India’s standing in the Asia Rugby circuit, with the U20 women’s team recently winning bronze at the Asia Rugby Emirates U20 Championship in Bihar
- PM Modi announced that Indian coaches will support Fiji’s cricket development, leveraging India’s deep expertise in the sport
- The initiative aims to build grassroots talent and foster exchange programs between the two nations
Symbolism And Soft Power
- Modi’s remarks underscore the role of sports as a diplomatic tool and cultural bridge
- Rugby and cricket, though distinct in style and geography, represent shared values of teamwork, discipline, and national pride
- The collaboration reflects India’s broader strategy of using sports to deepen ties with Indo-Pacific nations
- It also aligns with India’s growing influence in global sports governance and Olympic outreach
Recent Sporting Milestones
- India’s U20 women’s rugby team defeated Uzbekistan to secure third place in the Asia Rugby Emirates U20 Championship
- The tournament was hosted in Rajgir, Bihar, showcasing India’s expanding infrastructure for niche sports
- Serevi’s coaching has brought international attention to Indian rugby, with plans underway to host more regional tournaments
- The Indian government continues to invest in sports diplomacy, with initiatives like Khelo India and Fit India gaining traction
Broader Vision For Sports In India
- PM Modi has consistently advocated for sports as a pillar of national development and youth empowerment
- During his Independence Day speech, he highlighted the National Sports Policy as a framework to nurture talent from school to Olympic levels
- The policy promotes ethical governance, fair competition, and inclusive access to sports infrastructure
- Modi’s government has also passed the Online Gaming Bill 2025 to regulate digital sports and promote e-sports as a legitimate career path
Conclusion
Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s statement that sports connect people is more than a diplomatic gesture—it reflects India’s evolving approach to global engagement through athletic collaboration. By linking rugby in Fiji and cricket in India, the two nations are setting a precedent for how sports can foster goodwill, build talent, and create lasting partnerships. As India continues to invest in both traditional and emerging sports, its role as a global sporting ally is becoming increasingly prominent.
Sources: Economic Times, MSN India, India Today, Press Information Bureau.
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