IndiaNew Zealand Discuss Expanding Sports Cooperation As 2026 Marks 100 Years Of Sporting Ties

New Zealand Centenary Sports Cooperation: Union Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya on Monday chaired a high level ministerial meeting with New Zealand sports delegation to discuss expanding bilateral cooperation in sports and strengthening collaboration between the sporting ecosystems of the two countries. The year 2026 marks 100 years of sporting ties between India and New Zealand, tracing back to the historic 1926 Indian Army hockey tour to New Zealand, one of the earliest major sporting engagements between the two nations. Building on this legacy, both countries explored new initiatives to deepen cooperation and strengthen sports diplomacy. The Indian delegation included Shri Hari Ranjan Rao, Secretary (Sports), along with senior officials from the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, the Sports Authority of India, the Indian Olympic Association and representatives from national sports federations. Earlier in the day, Shri Rao led a delegation-level meeting with New Zealand officials to discuss expanding bilateral sports cooperation. The delegations identified priority sports for collaboration, including rugby, rowing, canoeing, sailing, athletics and cycling. The New Zealand delegation was led by Chris Bishop, Associate Minister for Sport and Recreation, and included Patrick John Rata, New Zealand High Commissioner to India, former international cricketer Ross Taylor, Raelene Castle, CEO of Sport New Zealand, and representatives from Hockey New Zealand, Athletics New Zealand and Paralympics New Zealand. The discussions focused on the IndiaNew Zealand Centenary Sports Cooperation Programme 2026, a year-long initiative designed to commemorate the centenary of sporting ties and expand collaboration in sports development, high-performance training, innovation and people-to-people engagement. Both sides discussed organising sports and cultural exchange initiatives, including a proposed IndiaNew Zealand Sports and Culture Week to be hosted across cities in both countries, bringing together athletes, coaches and communities while celebrating indigenous sporting traditions. A key focus of the meeting was strengthening collaboration in high-performance sports through joint training camps, coaching exchanges and knowledge sharing in sports science, analytics and athlete performance systems. The discussions also explored integrating New Zealands coach development framework into the curriculum of the National Institute of Sports (NIS), Patiala. A key focus of the meeting was strengthening collaboration in high-performance sports through joint training camps, coaching exchanges and knowledge sharing in sports science, analytics and athlete performance systems. Also Read: Live Cricket Score The meeting reaffirmed the shared commitment of India and New Zealand to deepen sports cooperation and translate the centenary partnership into tangible outcomes for athletes, coaches and sporting ecosystems in both countries. Article Source: IANS

Champions Samson, Bumrah Among Four Indians In ICC T20 WC Team Of The Tournament

ICC T20 WC: Wicketkeeper-batter Sanju Samson, the Player of the Tournament, leads the victorious team, having scored 321 runs in just five innings. Initially not part of the Indian XI, Samson distinguished himself with Player of the Match awards against West Indies and England. He then set the record for the highest individual score in a Mens T20 World Cup final with 89 runs against New Zealand on Sunday. He is accompanied by teammates Ishan Kishan, Hardik Pandya, and Jasprit Bumrah as Indias impressive home victory is celebrated. Kishan scored 317 runs, the fourth highest among all players, while leading India's batting at the top of the order with a remarkable strike rate of 193.29, anchoring the team's performance. He scored a masterful 77 as his opening innings against Pakistan, then moved to the number three spot, delivering key performances against England and New Zealand, including a half-century in the final. Pandya is the third Indian batter named, valued for his contributions with both bat and ball. He scored two half-centuries and delivered impactful spells when needed, such as a 52 off 28 against Namibia. Additionally, he took nine wickets overall. Bumrah is the fourth Indian player in the team, recognised as the Player of the Match in the final for his outstanding bowling. He was the joint-leading wicket-taker in the tournament with 14 wickets in eight matches. In the final, he took four wickets for 15 runs and maintained an economy rate of 6.21 overall. Pakistans Sahibzada Farhan tops the order, finishing as the tournament's leading run-scorer with 383 runs. He scored at an average of 76.60 and achieved two centuries, one against Sri Lanka and another against Namibia. Aiden Markram is one of two South Africans on the team, with the Proteas captain scoring 286 including three half-centuries - helping his team reach the semi-finals. Compatriot Lungi Ngidi is also featured, having taken 12 wickets at an average of 15.58. He claimed four wickets against Canada, three each against Afghanistan and the West Indies, and delivered an impressive economical spell against India, conceding only 15 runs in four overs Englands Will Jacks moves into the middle order due to his exceptional all-round performances as his team advanced to the semi-finals. Jacks consistently delivered key contributions to help England win, such as a vital unbeat 32 off 18 balls and a two for 23 spell against New Zealand, earning him one of four Player of the Match awards. He is joined in the team by teammate Adil Rashid, who took 13 wickets at an average of 14.15. Jason Holder from the West Indies secures his spot on the team through impressive contributions with both bat and ball. He took three wickets versus Scotland and four against Nepal before delivering a notable performance with the bat in the Super Eights. Zimbabwes Blessing Muzarabani completes the team, playing a crucial role in their impressive group stage performance. Muzarabani claimed four wickets for 17 runs in the match against Australia and ended the group stage with a total of nine wickets. Shadley van Schalkwyk, the teams 12th player, took 13 wickets for the USA, averaging 6.84 and maintaining an economy rate of 6.80. Selection panel: Ian Bishop, Natalie Germanos, Eoin Morgan (Broadcasters); Gaurav Saxena (ICC Representative); Rex Clementine (Sports Journalist) ICC Mens T20 World Cup 2026 Team of the Tournament Selection panel: Ian Bishop, Natalie Germanos, Eoin Morgan (Broadcasters); Gaurav Saxena (ICC Representative); Rex Clementine (Sports Journalist) Also Read: Live Cricket Score 12th player: Shadley van Schalkwyk Article Source: IANS

Sri Lanka appoint Gary Kirsten as men's head coach

Kirsten will take over the reins on April 15 on a two-year contract that runs until April 14 2028

Sanju Samson Receives Heartwarming Reception At Thiruvananthapuram Airport After T20 WC Win

Thiruvananthapuram International Airport: Indias wicketkeeper-batter Sanju Samson received a rousing welcome at Thiruvananthapuram International Airport on Monday as fans gathered to celebrate his heroics in Indias triumphant campaign at the ICC Mens T20 World Cup. Fans greeted the Kerala star as he arrived home, with supporters lining the airport premises to catch a glimpse of the local hero who played a pivotal role in India's victory. Representing India, Samson emerged as one of the standout performers of the tournament. His breakthrough moment came during the Super Eights clash against the West Indies, where he produced a commanding innings (97* off 50) that shifted the momentum of Indias campaign and set up a crucial victory. He followed it up with a defining performance in the semifinal against England. Under pressure on a big stage, Samson delivered a composed yet aggressive knock, scoring 89 and steering India through a tense contest and booking the teams place in the final. The crowning moment arrived in the final against New Zealand. Samson played one of the finest innings of the tournament, scoring another blistering 89 to power India to a formidable total. His knock proved decisive as India went on to clinch the title, cementing his status as one of the heroes of the campaign. Samson, who hails from Vizhinjam near Thiruvananthapuram and has long been a beloved figure in the states sporting landscape, returned home to scenes of pride and admiration, where he was received by Education Minister V. Shivankutty and presented with a memento. The crowning moment arrived in the final against New Zealand. Samson played one of the finest innings of the tournament, scoring another blistering 89 to power India to a formidable total. His knock proved decisive as India went on to clinch the title, cementing his status as one of the heroes of the campaign. Also Read: Live Cricket Score With the T20 World Cup trophy secured and a heros welcome awaiting him, Samsons journey from Keralas cricketing circuits to the global stage has become a moment of collective pride for the state and the country. Article Source: IANS

Suryakumar Yadav Poses With T20 WC Trophy At Historic Adalaj Stepwell After Indias Title Triumph

ICC Cricket World Cup: India captain Suryakumar Yadav visited the historic Adalaj Ni Vav on Monday, where he posed with the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 trophy following Indias title-winning campaign. Images shared by the International Cricket Council (ICC) showed the Indian skipper at the intricately designed stepwell, one of Gujarats most renowned heritage landmarks, located near Ahmedabad and Gandhinagar. The 15th-century structure, known for its elaborate carvings and architectural design, has long attracted tourists and history enthusiasts. Suryakumars visit came a day after Indias emphatic victory over New Zealand in the T20 World Cup final. The Indian team sealed the title with a commanding 96-run win at the Narendra Modi Stadium on Sunday, successfully defending the trophy and further cementing their dominance in the shortest format. The stepwell also holds recent cricketing significance. Ahead of the 2023 ICC Cricket World Cup final, former India captain Rohit Sharma and Australia skipper Pat Cummins had posed for a photoshoot at the same location. Despite the tournament celebrations continuing across the country, Suryakumar appeared to take a moment to explore the historic monument. Photographs from the visit showed him walking through the stepwells ornate corridors and admiring the detailed stonework while holding the World Cup trophy. The stepwell also holds recent cricketing significance. Ahead of the 2023 ICC Cricket World Cup final, former India captain Rohit Sharma and Australia skipper Pat Cummins had posed for a photoshoot at the same location. Also Read: Live Cricket Score In the final, played at the Narendra Modi Stadium, the worlds largest cricket venue, India defeated New Zealand in front of a packed crowd to claim their second consecutive T20 World Cup title, also becoming the first team to win a home World Cup and the first team to clinch a record third title. Article Source: IANS

'Excellence In Team Spirit, Discipline And Confidence': CM Fadnavis Hails Indian Cricket Team's T20 WC Victory

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis: In a heartfelt tribute to the Indian Cricket Team's historic victory in the ICC Men's T20 World Cup, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, on Monday, moved a congratulatory motion in the State Assembly, hailing the team's clinical performance. The Chief Minister noted that the Indian cricket team dominated the tournament, winning every single match except one. He attributed this success to a perfect blend of team spirit, discipline, and confidence. Chief Minister Fadnavis extended his heartfelt congratulations to Indian team Captain Suryakumar Yadav, Head Coach Gautam Gambhir, and the entire squad. The motion was subsequently approved and declared passed by the Maharashtra Assembly Speaker Rahul Narwekar. Speaking on the special motion, Chief Minister Fadnavis traced India's glorious cricketing journey including 1983: The first World Cup win at the Lord's under Kapil Dev, 2007 and 2011: T20 and ODI World Cup victories under Captain M.S. Dhoni, and 2024 and 2026: Solidifying global dominance with consecutive T20 World Cup titles. The Chief Minister expressed particular pride in the fact that Captain Suryakumar Yadav and Shivam Dube hail from Mumbai. He remarked that it is heartening to see players from rural and humble backgrounds shining on the international stage, continuing Maharashtra's legacy of producing cricketing greats. Highlighting the details of the final match held at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad -- the world's largest cricket ground -- the Chief Minister noted: India set a massive record-breaking total of 255/5 in 20 overs, the highest-ever score in a T20 World Cup Final. The bowlers dismantled the New Zealand innings for just 159 runs. Sanju Samson provided a powerful start with 89 runs off 46 balls. Abhishek Sharma smashed one of the tournament's fastest fifties (52 off 21 balls), while Ishan Kishan contributed a fiery 54 off 25 balls. Jasprit Bumrah was the hero with the ball, taking 4 wickets and maintaining the best economy rate throughout the tournament. Axar Patel supported him well with 3 crucial wickets. With this victory, India has become the first country in the world to win the T20 World Cup three times and the first to win it back-to-back, Chief Minister Fadnavis said. Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde moved a congratulatory motion in the State Legislative Council, saying that the victory at Ahmedabad has sparked a wave of joy and enthusiasm across the nation. This isn't just a victory in sports; it is a symbol of the grit, team spirit, and confidence of our players, Deputy CM Shinde remarked. He congratulated the team, the coaching staff, and BCCI Chairman Jay Shah on behalf of the state government and the people of Maharashtra. He emphasised that India has now carved its name in history by winning the coveted title in 2007, 2024, and 2026. He congratulated the team, the coaching staff, and BCCI Chairman Jay Shah on behalf of the state government and the people of Maharashtra. Also Read: Live Cricket Score He concluded by wishing the Indian team continued success in keeping the national flag flying high on the global stage. Article Source: IANS