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The relationship in sports between India and New Zealand dates back to 1926 when an Indian hockey team toured New Zealand
India and New Zealand have shared an enduring bond in the world of sports, one that has transcended the playing field to become a bridge of cultural and diplomatic exchange. This year, the two nations have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening this connection by announcing the celebration of 100 years of sporting ties in 2026.
Sporting ties between the two nations was highlighted following delegation-level talks between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his New Zealand counterpart, Christopher Luxon, in New Delhi on Monday (March 17, 2025). In a joint statement, both leaders emphasized the deep-rooted sporting relations between the two nations and the upcoming initiatives to further enhance cooperation in sports science, coaching, and player exchange.
The two leaders also witnessed the signing of a Memorandum of Cooperation in Sports between the Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports of the Government of India and the Sport New Zealand of the Government of New Zealand
A Century of Sporting Legacy
The relationship between India and New Zealand in sports dates back to 1926 when an Indian hockey team, featuring the legendary Dhyan Chand, toured New Zealand and dominated the competition. That tour set the foundation for a century of mutual respect and fierce but friendly sporting rivalry.
Over the years, cricket has become the most significant sporting link between the two nations. From thrilling Test series to electrifying ICC tournament clashes, India and New Zealand have produced some of the most memorable moments in cricket history. The recent Champions Trophy final, where India triumphed over New Zealand, only added another chapter to this historic rivalry.
Beyond cricket, hockey has also been a major sporting connection, with both nations sharing a strong legacy in the sport. Additionally, mountaineering and adventure sports have played a role in strengthening ties, with New Zealand being home to some of the world’s most challenging peaks, attracting Indian mountaineers for decades.
The ‘Sporting Unity’ Year – 2026
To commemorate the century-long sporting relationship, 2026 will be marked as the ‘Sporting Unity’ year. This initiative aims to celebrate the shared history of sports between the two countries while fostering new opportunities for collaboration.
As part of the celebration, India and New Zealand will host joint sporting events, exchange coaching expertise, and engage in sports science, psychology, and medicine-related collaborations.
“Be it cricket, hockey, or mountaineering, the two countries have a long-standing relationship in sports,” Prime Minister Modi said during the joint press statement. “We have decided to celebrate 100 years of sports relations between our two countries with various initiatives, including a visit by the Indian men’s cricket team to New Zealand in November 2026.”
New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon, with a touch of humor, remarked, “I would really like to appreciate the Prime Minister (Modi) for not raising the loss of New Zealand to India in the recent game in Dubai,” drawing laughter from the gathering, which included New Zealand cricket great Ross Taylor and Indian-origin spinner Ajaz Patel.
Sports have played a vital role in strengthening the people-to-people ties between India and New Zealand. The Indian community in New Zealand has contributed significantly to the nation’s sporting culture, with many young Indian-origin players making a mark in cricket and hockey.
Moreover, New Zealand admires India’s sporting legends, such as Sachin Tendulkar, Virat Kohli, and Dhyan Chand.
The two governments have also agreed to facilitate easier movement of skilled sports professionals and promote digital transactions in sports-related industries, enhancing cooperation beyond the playing field.
What happens in 2026?
With the declaration of 2026 as the ‘Sporting Unity’ year, India and New Zealand are set to embark on a new chapter of sports diplomacy. This initiative not only honors a rich history but also paves the way for deeper collaboration in sports development, technology, and cultural exchange.
As both nations gear up to celebrate this milestone, the spirit of competition, friendship, and mutual growth remains at the heart of their sporting ties. Whether on the cricket pitch, the hockey field, or the mountaineering trails, India and New Zealand continue to inspire each other, proving that sports truly have the power to unite nations.
Sporting ties between the two nations was highlighted following delegation-level talks between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his New Zealand counterpart, Christopher Luxon, in New Delhi on Monday (March 17, 2025). In a joint statement, both leaders emphasized the deep-rooted sporting relations between the two nations and the upcoming initiatives to further enhance cooperation in sports science, coaching, and player exchange.
The two leaders also witnessed the signing of a Memorandum of Cooperation in Sports between the Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports of the Government of India and the Sport New Zealand of the Government of New Zealand
A Century of Sporting Legacy
The relationship between India and New Zealand in sports dates back to 1926 when an Indian hockey team, featuring the legendary Dhyan Chand, toured New Zealand and dominated the competition. That tour set the foundation for a century of mutual respect and fierce but friendly sporting rivalry.
Over the years, cricket has become the most significant sporting link between the two nations. From thrilling Test series to electrifying ICC tournament clashes, India and New Zealand have produced some of the most memorable moments in cricket history. The recent Champions Trophy final, where India triumphed over New Zealand, only added another chapter to this historic rivalry.
Beyond cricket, hockey has also been a major sporting connection, with both nations sharing a strong legacy in the sport. Additionally, mountaineering and adventure sports have played a role in strengthening ties, with New Zealand being home to some of the world’s most challenging peaks, attracting Indian mountaineers for decades.
The ‘Sporting Unity’ Year – 2026
To commemorate the century-long sporting relationship, 2026 will be marked as the ‘Sporting Unity’ year. This initiative aims to celebrate the shared history of sports between the two countries while fostering new opportunities for collaboration.
As part of the celebration, India and New Zealand will host joint sporting events, exchange coaching expertise, and engage in sports science, psychology, and medicine-related collaborations.
“Be it cricket, hockey, or mountaineering, the two countries have a long-standing relationship in sports,” Prime Minister Modi said during the joint press statement. “We have decided to celebrate 100 years of sports relations between our two countries with various initiatives, including a visit by the Indian men’s cricket team to New Zealand in November 2026.”
New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon, with a touch of humor, remarked, “I would really like to appreciate the Prime Minister (Modi) for not raising the loss of New Zealand to India in the recent game in Dubai,” drawing laughter from the gathering, which included New Zealand cricket great Ross Taylor and Indian-origin spinner Ajaz Patel.
Sports have played a vital role in strengthening the people-to-people ties between India and New Zealand. The Indian community in New Zealand has contributed significantly to the nation’s sporting culture, with many young Indian-origin players making a mark in cricket and hockey.
Moreover, New Zealand admires India’s sporting legends, such as Sachin Tendulkar, Virat Kohli, and Dhyan Chand.
The two governments have also agreed to facilitate easier movement of skilled sports professionals and promote digital transactions in sports-related industries, enhancing cooperation beyond the playing field.
What happens in 2026?
With the declaration of 2026 as the ‘Sporting Unity’ year, India and New Zealand are set to embark on a new chapter of sports diplomacy. This initiative not only honors a rich history but also paves the way for deeper collaboration in sports development, technology, and cultural exchange.
As both nations gear up to celebrate this milestone, the spirit of competition, friendship, and mutual growth remains at the heart of their sporting ties. Whether on the cricket pitch, the hockey field, or the mountaineering trails, India and New Zealand continue to inspire each other, proving that sports truly have the power to unite nations.
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