NewKerala.com

Key Points

India and Fiji are taking their sporting partnership to new heights with an Indian cricket coach set to train Fiji's national teams. This initiative follows Fiji rugby legend Waisale Serevi's previous coaching of the Indian rugby team, creating a reciprocal coaching exchange. The announcement came during Fijian Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka's visit to India, where both leaders discussed comprehensive bilateral cooperation. Beyond sports, India will also provide agricultural technology support including drones and mobile soil testing laboratories to Fiji.

Key Points: Modi Announces Indian Cricket Coach for Fiji Teams

  • Indian cricket coach to train Fiji teams as part of bilateral agreement
  • Fiji elected ICC Associate Member in 1965 with current T20I status
  • India to supply agricultural drones and mobile soil labs to Fiji
  • Both nations aim to boost youth engagement through sports development
2 min read

India, Fiji deepen sporting links; Indian cricket coach to train Fiji teams

PM Modi and Fiji PM Rabuka strengthen sporting ties as India sends cricket coach to train Fiji teams, building on rugby coaching exchange between nations.

"Sports is a field that connects people from the ground to the mind - PM Narendra Modi"

New Delhi, August 25

A cricket coach from India will train cricket teams of Fiji, which has been for many decades an Associate Member of the ICC.

The announcement was made by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in his press statement after talks with the Fijian Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka, who is on a visit to the country.

"Sports is a field that connects people from the ground to the mind. Rugby in Fiji and Cricket in India are examples. Waisale Serevi, the 'Star of Rugby Sevens,' coached the Indian rugby team. Now, an Indian coach is set to take the Fiji cricket team to new heights," PM Modi said.

A series of announcements were made following the talks between the two leaders, with India to supply Agricultural drones to the Sugar Research Institute of Fiji, as also Mobile Soil Testing Laboratories

As per the International Cricket Council website, Fiji was elected as an Associate Member in 1965. They currently enjoy the T20I status.

According to ICC, cricket in Fiji started in 1874 in Levuka, Ovalau when a visiting Royal Naval Ship played a local side, which was selected at the Royal Hotel in Levuka.

Fiji last played a T20I game in August 2024 against the Cook Islands in the T20 World Cup 2026 Qualifiers for the East Asia-Pacific region, winning by nine runs.

PM Modi and his Fiji counterpart held comprehensive and forward-looking discussions on the full spectrum of bilateral matters, and regional and global issues of mutual interest. Both Leaders expressed satisfaction at the growth of the relationship and reaffirmed their resolve to build a broad-based, inclusive, and forward-looking partnership in areas such as defence, health, agriculture, agro-processing, trade and investment, development of small and medium enterprises, cooperatives, culture, sports, education and skill development.

The joint statement released after talks between two leaders said they stressed on the growing sports connections between both countries, especially the increasing enthusiasm for cricket in Fiji and for rugby in India.

"At the request of Fiji, an Indian cricket coach will support the Fiji cricket teams through local talent development, thus promoting youth engagement in sports," the statement said.

- ANI

Share this article:

Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Wonderful to see India strengthening ties with Pacific nations through sports. The agricultural drones and soil testing labs are also smart moves - helping Fiji develop in multiple sectors.
A
Aman W
Fiji has some natural athletes. With proper coaching, they could become a competitive cricket team in the associate circuit. Good strategic move by India to build sporting relationships.
S
Sarah B
While I appreciate the sports cooperation, I hope this isn't just symbolic. The coach should get proper resources and support to actually make a difference in Fiji's cricket development.
V
Vikram M
Cricket connecting nations! This is how soft power works. Meanwhile, excited about the rugby exchange too - Waisale Serevi coaching Indian rugby team is huge! Mutual growth in sports 🏏🏉
N
Nikhil C
Fiji has been playing cricket since 1874? That's older than many test playing nations! Glad they're getting proper coaching support now. Maybe we'll see them in World Cup qualifiers soon.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Leave a Comment

Minimum 50 characters 0/50