Fiji – India Engage in Sports Diplomacy

In line with its commitment to sports diplomacy program, Fiji’s High Commission in India partnered with other High Commissions and Embassies in India to donate 150 rugby balls to Rugby India on 14th June, 2019.

The program was officially opened by Fiji’s High Commissioner to India, His Excellency Yogesh Punja and Minister of the Embassy of Japan, Mr. Kenko Sone. This was followed by presentation by Mr. Nasser Hussain, General Manager of Rugby India on their strategic plan and the handing-over of the rugby balls by the donor diplomatic missions to the eight Rugby India officials that came to Delhi for this special event.

Mr Hussain stated that this partnership will go a long way in developing sports diplomacy among countries and it signifies strong values of friendship and collaboration.

This initiative has been made possible through collaborations between the following Diplomatic Missions to assist grassroots rugby in India and to commemorate the spirit of unity for the hosting of first ever Rugby World Cup in Japan from 20 September 2019 in the Asia region: High Commission of the Republic of Fiji, High Commission of Australia, New Zealand High Commission, South Africa High Commission, Embassy of Argentine, Embassy of Japan and Embassy of Georgia.

The handing-over ceremony was attended by more than sixty special guests from the donor Missions, Diplomats, Executives of Rugby India, Media and friends of the High Commission.

Today, Rugby India has about 24,000 registered players and records the highest number of females who are playing Rugby. According to the 2017 World Rugby’s Get into Rugby (GIR) Statistic report, India was rated 1st in Asia in terms of numbers of those participated in the GIR programs and 3rd globally.