India and New Zealand have celebrated 100 years of sporting ties through the India-New Zealand U20 Rugby Series in Rajgir, Bihar. The series brought young players from both countries together for rugby matches, joint training and cultural exchange. It also highlighted the role of sport in building international friendships.
RAJGIR, October 27 (ANI): The series concluded at the Rajgir Sports Complex on Tuesday. Union Minister of State for Youth Affairs and Sports Raksha Khadse highlighted its role in strengthening sports diplomacy and creating opportunities for young athletes.
The event formed part of the 100 Years of Unity through Sport initiative. According to the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports (MYAS), the series marked an important milestone in relations between the two nations.
India and New Zealand Bring Young Rugby Players Together
The series featured the U20 men’s and women’s teams from India and New Zealand. Players took part in joint training sessions, cultural activities and four competitive Rugby Sevens matches.
Notably, the programme included two mixed-team matches for the first time. Indian and New Zealand players competed alongside each other as teammates. As a result, the matches offered a unique way to build friendships beyond national boundaries.
The exchange also gave young athletes a chance to learn from one another. In addition, they experienced each other’s sporting cultures and traditions.
Raksha Khadse Highlights the Role of Sports Diplomacy
Raksha Khadse said sport can help India strengthen its global relationships. She also highlighted the importance of mutual respect, friendship and cultural understanding.
According to Khadse, the India-New Zealand U20 Rugby Series showed how sport can bring people together. Furthermore, she noted that such exchanges can strengthen ties between nations and create lasting connections among young people.
The initiative reflects India’s wider efforts to use sport to improve international engagement. Through events like this, young athletes can gain valuable exposure while building relationships with their peers abroad.
Bihar Promotes Rugby and International Cooperation
Bihar Chief Minister Samrat Chaudhary attended the event alongside Raksha Khadse and other officials. The guests also included Shreyasi Singh, Bihar’s Minister of Sports and Youth Affairs; Matt Ayers, Acting High Commissioner of New Zealand in India; Sanjay Mayukh, President of the Rugby Football Association of Bihar; and Rahul Bose, President of Rugby India.
Shreyasi Singh said Bihar was committed to improving its sporting facilities and creating more opportunities for young athletes. She also welcomed the chance to host the India-New Zealand rugby exchange in Rajgir.
Meanwhile, Rahul Bose highlighted the values of respect, teamwork and friendship. He said the mixed-team matches helped players from both countries build relationships on and off the field.
New Zealand Delegation Includes 24 Young Māori Players
The visiting New Zealand delegation included the U20 men’s team, Tama Toa, and the U20 women’s team, Hine Toa. The delegation featured 24 young Māori players.
Their visit offered an opportunity to experience Indian culture. At the same time, the players shared their own traditions and perspectives with their Indian counterparts.
This cultural exchange added another dimension to the rugby series. Beyond competition, it encouraged mutual learning and understanding among the young athletes.
Rugby India and New Zealand Rugby Strengthen Ties
The series also builds on growing cooperation between Rugby India and New Zealand Rugby. In May 2026, Rugby India hosted New Zealand Rugby coaching educators at Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar.
The programme involved 35 Indian coaches and focused on developing coaching skills. It also aimed to support the long-term growth of rugby in India.
Going forward, such partnerships could help improve coaching standards and create more opportunities for Indian players. Moreover, continued exchanges can strengthen links between the two rugby communities.
As India and New Zealand mark a century of sporting ties, the Rajgir series shows how sport can connect people across borders. Ultimately, the initiative aims to build lasting friendships, encourage cultural exchange and support the growth of rugby in both countries.