MARCH 22:The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Trade, and Barbuda Affairs of Antigua and Barbuda, H.E. E.P. Chet Greene, met with Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, Union Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports, at Shram Shakti Bhawan. During this high-level meeting, both sides discussed enhancing people-to-people relations through cooperation and collaboration in sports.
The dialogue began with a reflection on the longstanding historical ties between India and Antigua & Barbuda. Both sides emphasized the importance of strengthening bilateral relations, with sports identified as a key area for further collaboration. Discussions centered around expanding mutual cooperation in various sports, including cricket, football, rugby, basketball, and volleyball.
A major focus of the meeting was the exchange programs for athletes and coaches, as well as the sharing of expertise in sports science, medicine, and management. Both countries acknowledged the importance of investing in sports infrastructure to foster talent and elevate sporting standards. The Antiguan delegation expressed a keen interest in collaborating with India on these fronts and sought India’s support in upgrading their cricketing facilities.
Recognizing the immense popularity of Sir Viv Richards, a cricketing legend from Antigua, in India, the delegation proposed setting up initiatives to enhance their national cricket team’s capabilities. One suggestion was to engage Antigua & Barbuda’s cricketing legends in coaching academies across India, where they could mentor young talent. The goal is to provide exposure to new coaching methodologies while strengthening the cricketing infrastructure in both nations.
H.E. E.P. Chet Greene expressed his gratitude to the Indian government, particularly Union Minister Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, for their past contributions, including India’s assistance during the COVID-19 pandemic through vaccine support. He also commended Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, particularly his efforts in fostering the growth of the global south, promoting economic development, and pushing for innovation in healthcare and digital sectors.
In conclusion, both sides stressed the importance of enhancing people-to-people relations, emphasizing that sports can serve as a bridge to foster greater collaboration and understanding between the two nations. The discussions paved the way for future initiatives to build stronger sports ties and ensure mutual benefits for India and Antigua & Barbuda.
at Shram Shakti Bhawan.
