Monday, October 12, 2026
A new Australia–India Sports Education program will help define the next generation of Australia-India collaboration in sports education, research and innovation.
Beginning today, October 12, at the Institute of Information Technology Madras, Chennai and online, the Australia India Institute’s Khel Connect Symposium will connect Australian and Indian organisations across higher education, sport, industry, and government to exchange knowledge, identify collaboration opportunities, and forge connections.
The Symposium forms part of the Institute’s Khel Connect: Australia-India Sports Education & Innovation Pathways program. Funded by the Australian Government Department of Education, the program responds to India’s massive sporting ambitions by strengthening bilateral ties in sports education.
Khel Connect aligns with the priorities of the India-Australia Sports Collaboration Roadmap announced by Prime Minister’s Albanese and Modi at the recent Australia-India Annual Summit.
The Symposium will create a dynamic environment for participants to build connections, explore shared interests, and identify opportunities for collaboration across three priority areas:
- Athlete and Coach Development Pathways and High-Performance Support Services
- Community Sports Development and Adaptive Physical Education
- Major Event Capability, Sports Business, Innovation and Commercialisation
Khel Connect is guided by an expert steering committee chaired by Dr Sheila Nguyen, Head of Sustainability for the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023, and has been shaped by the Institute’s Head of Cultural Diplomacy Sudip Chakraborty, founder of the Australian Rules Football Association of India (AFL India).
To find out more about the Khel Connect program: https://aii.unimelb.edu.au/programs/education/khel-connect-australia-india-sports-education-innovation-pathways/
Quotes attributable to Australia India Institute CEO Lisa Singh:
“Australia and India each bring unique strengths in sports education, research and innovation.”
“By connecting researchers, educators, industry leaders and sporting organisations, this symposium will help unlock new partnerships, generate practical solutions and support the next generation of sporting excellence across both nations.”
Media Requests:
Laura Hooper, Communications Manager, Australia India Institute: laura.hooper@unimelb.edu.au