A delegation led by Gujarat’s state sports minister, Harsh Sanghavi, is currently in the United Kingdom (UK) to study arrangements for the Commonwealth Games. The delegation has been engaging with key UK officials and visiting top sports infrastructure to explore potential areas of collaboration in sports, health, and infrastructure.
Meeting with UK Officials for Collaboration
One of the significant meetings during the visit was with Catherine West, the Parliamentary Under Secretary of State at the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office. During this meeting, the delegation discussed various opportunities for collaboration between the UK and Gujarat, particularly in the fields of sports, health, and infrastructure. The state government also invited West to visit Gujarat and explore ways to further strengthen the collaboration between the two regions.
Exploring Multi-Use Sports Infrastructure
The delegation also visited two of London’s premier sports venues—the O2 Arena and the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. The visit allowed them to study the multi-use options for sports infrastructure and sustainability features incorporated into the designs of these world-class facilities.
The delegation closely observed how these venues are designed to serve multiple functions, a model they may look to adapt in Gujarat.
Collaborations with Loughborough University
Further discussions were held with officials from the School of Sport, Exercise, and Health Sciences at Loughborough University. The delegation explored four main areas for collaboration: sports curriculum development with a focus on faculty and student exchanges, the development of sports coaches, event management, and podium strategies for specific sports in Gujarat.
As part of these talks, the delegation invited the university to visit Gujarat to examine the state’s sports ecosystem and the possibility of opening a city campus in Ahmedabad.
Potential Benefits for Gujarat
This trip marks a key step in strengthening Gujarat’s sports infrastructure and educational ties with the UK. The ongoing discussions aim to bring international expertise to the state, which could greatly enhance Gujarat’s sports development programs and infrastructure. The potential opening of a Loughborough University campus in Ahmedabad could also boost educational and sports development in the region.
