Claudia Doman
13 April 2017: The University of Canberra will assist in the establishment of a national sports university in India as part of a new Australia –India sports partnership announced by Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull in Mumbai yesterday.
Vice-Chancellor and President Professor Deep Saini joined Prime Minister Turnbull and legendary Indian cricketer Sachin Tendulkar at the launch of this initiative.
The University of Canberra will work together with Victoria University to share their sports research and expertise with India as the country looks to develop its sports capability through an institution similar to the Australian Institute of Sport.
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R-L: Cricketer Sachin Tendulkar, Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull, Kate Palmer of Australia Sports Commission, and Professor Deep Saini and Peter Dawkins. Photo supplied.
During the event, held at the University of Mumbai, Mr Turnbull said that the partnership aims to help India with developing its sporting capacity at an elite level, preparing Indian athletes for the world stage.
“Our sporting achievements are underpinned by robust sport administration, world-class research, talent identification, athlete development, sports management and technology,” Mr Turnbull said.
“And those building blocks are what India looks to as it seeks to achieve Olympic success to equal its prowess on the cricket pitch.”
The partnership seeks to advance cooperation in four key areas: athlete and coach training and development, sports science, sports governance and integrity and grass roots participation.
Professor Saini said the University of Canberra is delighted to be able to contribute to this initiative through its innovative and high-quality sport and health research and expertise, in areas ranging from high-performance sport, athlete development and professional sports leadership to physical literacy, sport design and technology.
