Gujarat CM, Australian Envoy explore sports, infra ties

Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel on Wednesday expressed the state’s willingness to draw upon Australia’s experience and expertise in the long-term and sustainable utilisation of infrastructure, housing and sports facilities developed for the Olympic Games, according to information.
The chief minister shared these views during a meeting with the High Commissioner of Australia to India, Philip Green OAM, held in Gandhinagar. With reference to the Brisbane Olympic Games scheduled for 2032, the two sides held detailed discussions on Australia’s ongoing efforts to develop infrastructure, accommodation and allied facilities for the event.During the meeting, the Australian High Commissioner outlined plans for the post-Games utilisation of Olympic infrastructure, including its conversion into public housing and student hostels, as well as the continued use of sports grounds for hosting other events. He also extended an invitation to a high-level delegation from Gujarat to visit Brisbane to observe and review the preparations for the Games.
Green conveyed Australia’s interest in partnering with Gujarat to offer advanced sports training, particularly in areas such as swimming, para-athletics and high-performance centres. While acknowledging the skills and excellence of Australian athletes, Chief Minister Patel expressed optimism that collaborative efforts could help Gujarat’s athletes benefit from world-class training and perform strongly at the 2036 Olympic Games.The High Commissioner also briefed the chief minister on plans to establish a Centre of Excellence at Deakin University in GIFT City, focused on sports science, sports business and sports research, aimed at creating a comprehensive and self-sustaining ecosystem. He further invited Chief Minister Patel to attend Deakin University’s first convocation ceremony, scheduled for March 2026.
Chief Minister Patel noted that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the strong and friendly relations between India and Australia, along with Australia’s partnership in the Vibrant Gujarat Summit, have delivered benefits to the state across sectors such as gems and jewellery, textiles, apparel and clothing, life sciences and pharmaceuticals.Commending Gujarat’s leadership and rapid progress in the renewable energy sector, the Australian High Commissioner expressed his country’s willingness to support the state by sharing expertise in renewable energy transition. He also lauded the development of solar rooftop training facilities with a capacity of 2,000 trainees at Pandit Deendayal Energy University, highlighting the increasing participation and enthusiasm of women in these programmes.The meeting was attended by Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister Sanjeev Kumar, Secretary Ajay Kumar, Managing Director of INDEXTb Keyur Sampat, and other senior officials.

(State Correspondent)