Not Just Playing Around: How Sports Acts As A Bridge In India-Australia Relations

Last Updated:September 06, 2025, 04:21 IST

While cricket remains a passion shared by both nations, India has recently shown growing interest in rugby, while kabaddi has gained significant popularity in Queensland

The inclusion of former Australian cricket captain Steve Waugh in India-Australia relations is seen as adding a new dimension to sports diplomacy. (File pic: News18)

Sports has always been a common ground that connects people, transcending national and cultural barriers. Among sports, cricket holds a special place for both India and Australia, making it a vital element in strengthening bilateral ties. Experts believe that sports diplomacy has become increasingly important in the context of India-Australia relations.

While cricket remains a passion shared by both nations, India has recently shown growing interest in rugby, while kabaddi has gained significant popularity in Queensland. The inclusion of former Australian cricket captain Steve Waugh in India-Australia relations is seen as adding a new dimension to sports diplomacy.

Waugh, who has a longstanding connection with India that extends beyond his cricket career, was appointed to the Centre for Australia-India Relations Advisory Board in March 2025. The centre works across government, industry, academia, and communities to build greater understanding and seize opportunities in areas such as business, education, culture, and sport. The advisory board helps set strategic priorities and supports partnerships in business, the arts, education, health, science, technology, and sports.

Speaking with News18, Waugh said, “India is like a second home to me. I have played there so many times, have been involved with NGOs, made good friends, and now with this opportunity, I am deeply committed to contributing further."

Former Australian cricketer Adam Gilchrist is also actively contributing to this partnership as the Australia-India Education Ambassador. On his third visit to India, he inspired hundreds of students, strengthening people-to-people connections through education and sports.

The Indian diaspora plays a crucial role in this dynamic, often described as the “living bridge" between India and Australia. Members of the diaspora have introduced rugby to India, while kabaddi has gained enthusiastic followers in Queensland. A senior bureaucrat told News18: “This is very positive. Sports serves as a vital bridge, and what we are witnessing now is knowledge transfer and cultural exchange. It started with cricket, but other sports are following."

Experts also highlight that Australia’s advanced infrastructure, technical expertise, and sporting acumen could benefit India, particularly in the run-up to future Olympic events. Sources indicate that Australia has begun fostering state-to-state collaborations with India, further deepening cooperation in sports and related sectors.

Sports exchanges are expanding beyond the playing field to include skill development, education, and coaching opportunities. The popularity of the Pro Kabaddi League, for instance, has demonstrated the potential of such exchanges to capture the imagination of new audiences.

Speaking with News18, Ansh Gautam, chairman of AvidSys Group that owns the Chennai Bulls rugby team, said, “Sports diplomacy between India and Australia is a dialogue of trust, respect, and shared values that strengthen our partnership. India is growing as a global sports market, and Australia positions itself as a sporting hub (hosting the 2032 Olympics in Brisbane). There are huge opportunities for tourism, co-hosted events, sports technology partnerships, and collaborations in training, sports science, and exchange programmes that can deepen ties supported by investments, creating a magical recipe of success. My dream is to see more Indians and Australians investing in each other’s sports infrastructure, cross-country sports team ownership, creating sustainable and long-term partnerships, defined not just by words but by tangible and timely actions, like the Indian government’s recent Sports Bill in Parliament and our investment into India with Chennai Bulls Rugby and UWA partnership for Chennai and Mumbai."

The ministry of external affairs (MEA) has also highlighted the role of sports in fostering global connections. MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal recently posted on X, referring to the radio programme Mann Ki Baat, in which Prime Minister Narendra Modi mentioned how his podcast with Lex Fridman inspired German football coach Dietmar Beiersdorfer to train young footballers from Shahdol, Madhya Pradesh, in Germany.

These developments underline that sports is emerging as a new priority in India-Australia relations. From cricket to rugby, kabaddi, and beyond, sports is not just entertainment. It is becoming a powerful tool of diplomacy, fostering trust, exchange, and long-term collaboration between nations.

Kamalika Sengupta

Kamalika Sengupta is the Editor (East) at CNN-News18 / News18.com, focusing on politics, defence, and women’s issues. She is a seasoned multimedia journalist with over 20 years of experience reporting from East...Read More

Kamalika Sengupta is the Editor (East) at CNN-News18 / News18.com, focusing on politics, defence, and women’s issues. She is a seasoned multimedia journalist with over 20 years of experience reporting from East...

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