Khadse says sporting exchanges strengthen bilateral ties as Rajgir hosts series marking 100 years of sporting relations
Rajgir : Union Minister of State for Youth Affairs and Sports Raksha Khadse on Tuesday highlighted the role of international sporting exchanges in strengthening bilateral relations, promoting cultural understanding and providing young athletes with international exposure as the India–New Zealand U20 Rugby Series concluded at the Rajgir Sports Complex in Bihar.
Held under the “100 Years of Unity through Sport” initiative, the series marked a century of sporting ties between India and New Zealand, bringing together the countries’ under-20 men’s and women’s rugby teams.
The programme featured joint training sessions, cultural interactions and four Rugby Sevens matches, including two mixed-team matches in which Indian and New Zealand players competed alongside one another.
Khadse said sport was an important instrument of international engagement and could foster mutual understanding, friendship and long-term cooperation between nations.
She said the series reflected India’s efforts to strengthen global sporting partnerships and create opportunities for young people to connect through competition and cultural exchange.
The visiting New Zealand delegation comprised the U20 men’s team, Tama Toa, and the U20 women’s team, Hine Toa, featuring 24 young Māori players. Their participation provided an opportunity for athletes from both countries to share sporting experiences and cultural traditions.
Bihar Chief Minister Samrat Chaudhary, State Sports and Youth Affairs Minister Shreyasi Singh, New Zealand Acting High Commissioner to India Matt Ayers, Rugby Football Association of Bihar president Sanjay Mayukh and Rugby India president Rahul Bose attended the concluding event.
Shreyasi Singh said hosting the series in Rajgir was an opportunity for Bihar to strengthen its sporting ecosystem and expand opportunities for young athletes through international collaboration.
Rahul Bose said the mixed-team matches demonstrated rugby’s values of teamwork, respect and friendship, adding that the relationships developed during the series could support future cooperation between Rugby India and New Zealand Rugby.
The series builds on bilateral cooperation in rugby development. In May 2026, Rugby India hosted New Zealand Rugby coaching educators at Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar for a coaching development programme involving 35 Indian coaches.
The initiative focused on strengthening coaching capabilities and supporting the growth of rugby in India.
The Rajgir series combined competitive sport, joint training and cultural engagement, highlighting the role of international exchanges in developing young athletes and strengthening sporting partnerships between the two countries.
