India and New Zealand Unite for Rugby Coaching Program to Celebrate 100 Years of Sports Ties

A Historic Collaboration in Rugby

Bhubaneswar: In a significant move to commemorate a century of sporting relations between India and New Zealand, the rugby federations of both nations are set to launch a two-day high-performance coaching program at Kalinga Stadium, starting Thursday.

This collaborative effort, spearheaded by Rugby India and New Zealand Rugby, aims to gather selected coaches from various regions of India, categorized into Foundation, Development, and High-Performance levels.

According to a media release, the program will feature a blend of classroom instruction, practical demonstrations on the field, and engaging workshops led by experienced educators from New Zealand Rugby.

Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya expressed that this initiative symbolizes a mutual dedication to enhancing skills and sharing knowledge in the realm of sports.

He remarked, "As we approach the centenary of our sporting partnership with New Zealand in 2026, such collaborations gain even more significance. We appreciate the support from the New Zealand government and commend the efforts of both the Indian Rugby Football Union and New Zealand Rugby in making this partnership possible."

New Zealand's Minister for Sport and Recreation, Mark Mitchell, echoed these sentiments, stating, "Initiatives like this highlight the importance of the sports cooperation agreement between our nations."

Rahul Bose, head of Rugby India, also emphasized the program's role in advancing the sport's development.

"This partnership not only enhances our technical skills but also strengthens the enduring bond between our two countries."