India and New Zealand Celebrate 100 Years of Rugby Diplomacy

The India-New Zealand U20 Rugby Series recently concluded in Rajgir, Bihar, celebrating 100 years of sporting ties between the two nations. Union Minister Raksha Khadse highlighted the event's role in enhancing sports diplomacy and providing young athletes with international exposure. The series featured joint training sessions, cultural exchanges, and competitive matches, including mixed-team games that showcased collaboration between players from both countries. Leaders from both nations emphasized the importance of sports in fostering mutual understanding and building lasting connections. This initiative not only strengthens bilateral relations but also promotes cultural dialogue among youth, paving the way for future collaborations in sports.

By Narendra Chaudhary Oct 27, 2026, 22:36 IST

Marking a Century of Sporting Relations

Rajgir (Bihar) [India], October 27: The Union Minister of State for Youth Affairs and Sports, Raksha Khadse, emphasized the importance of the India-New Zealand U20 Rugby Series in enhancing sports diplomacy, providing international exposure for young athletes, and fostering collaboration in sports development. This event took place at the Rajgir Sports Complex in Bihar as part of the initiative celebrating 100 years of unity through sports between India and New Zealand.

Significance of the Rugby Series

The India-New Zealand U20 Rugby Series concluded at the Rajgir Sports Complex on Tuesday, marking a significant milestone in the sporting relationship between the two nations. This event was part of the 100 Years of Unity through Sport initiative, as noted in a press release from the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports. Dignitaries present included Bihar's Chief Minister Samrat Chaudhary, Raksha Khadse, Shreyasi Singh (Minister of Sports and Youth Affairs, Bihar), Matt Ayers (Acting High Commissioner of New Zealand in India), Sanjay Mayukh (President of the Rugby Football Association of Bihar), and Rahul Bose (President of Rugby India).

The Role of Sports Diplomacy

This series was a part of the 100 Years of Unity through Sport initiative, showcasing how sports can enhance India's international relationships and cultural ties. By bringing together young athletes from both countries, the event illustrated how sports can act as a tool for soft power, promoting mutual understanding, friendship, and long-term partnerships between nations.

The series featured U20 men's and women's teams from India and New Zealand, allowing young athletes to engage through rugby, shared learning, and cultural exchange. The program included joint training sessions, cultural interactions, and four competitive Rugby Sevens matches, which for the first time included two mixed-team matches where players from both nations played together, showcasing an exciting display of rugby.

Leadership Perspectives

Raksha Khadse stated, "Under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership, India is enhancing its global engagement through sports, recognizing its potential as a powerful tool for soft power. The India-New Zealand U20 Rugby Series exemplifies how sports can transcend borders and foster mutual understanding, bringing nations together through unity and friendship. As we celebrate 100 years of sporting ties, such exchanges strengthen bilateral relations and promote cultural dialogue among youth across nations."

Shreyasi Singh remarked, "Bihar is dedicated to enhancing its sporting ecosystem and creating more opportunities for young athletes. Hosting this special India-New Zealand rugby exchange in Rajgir is a point of pride, celebrating a century of sporting ties. This series allows young athletes to share experiences and learn from each other, further enhancing international sporting collaboration and cultural understanding."

Rahul Bose added, "The India-New Zealand U20 Rugby Series is about more than just the game. It reflects the values of rugby: respect, teamwork, and friendship. The mixed-team matches were particularly meaningful, with players from both nations standing together as teammates. We hope the relationships formed here will last and pave the way for ongoing collaboration between Rugby India and New Zealand Rugby."

Cultural Exchange and Future Collaborations

The visiting New Zealand delegation included the U20 men's team, Tama Toa, and the U20 women's team, Hine Toa, featuring 24 young Māori players. Their visit allowed them to experience Indian culture while sharing their own traditions with their Indian counterparts.

This series also builds on the growing partnership between Rugby India and New Zealand Rugby. In May 2026, Rugby India hosted New Zealand Rugby coaching educators at Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar for a coaching development program that involved 35 Indian coaches, focusing on enhancing coaching skills and supporting rugby's growth in India.

As India and New Zealand celebrate a century of sporting ties, the Rajgir series highlights the power of sports to strengthen bilateral relationships, promote cultural understanding, and create lasting connections among youth. It also underscores the increasing role of sports in India's international engagement, demonstrating how shared sporting experiences can bridge gaps between nations and contribute to a more interconnected global sporting community.