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The Australian Consulate-General in Mumbai and GoSports Foundation have joined forces to strengthen the development of emerging Indian athletes through a high-performance sports initiative supported by the Australian Government’s Direct Aid Program (DAP).
The year-long programme has provided targeted financial and performance support to five athletes from Maharashtra and Gujarat competing across Olympic and Paralympic disciplines. The initiative highlights the growing sporting relationship between India and Australia, with a focus on athlete welfare, inclusivity, and long-term sporting development.
Among the athletes supported through the programme are para-swimmer Suyash Jadhav, para-triathlete Rakesh Bhatt, badminton player Malvika Bansod, sprinter Aishwarya Mishra, and shooter Shahu Mane. The assistance includes funding for international competition travel, accommodation, specialised sports equipment, nutrition support, and sports psychology services aimed at improving overall athlete preparation and performance.
Sonali Philip, Director – Operations, People & Culture from GoSports Foundation, said, “The Australian DAP’s support contributes meaningfully to building stronger, more consistent environments for our athletes. It is partnerships like these that help translate potential into performance by strengthening the systems around them.”
Paul Murphy, Australian Consul General to Western India, said, “Our partnership with GoSports Foundation through the Direct Aid Program is delivering real impact. It strengthens pathways from grassroots participation to elite competition, supporting athletes of all backgrounds and abilities with opportunities to excel. This reflects Australia’s strong focus on sport as a driver of development and highlights the important role that sport plays in bilateral cooperation.”
The programme has already produced encouraging results across multiple disciplines. Shooter Shahu Mane topped Trial 1 and unofficially surpassed a national record after receiving a replacement rifle funded through the initiative. Badminton player Malvika Bansod successfully returned from injury and competed in nine European tour events, including a quarterfinal finish at the Orleans Masters, supported by advanced recovery equipment acquired through the grant. Sprinter Aishwarya Mishra also crossed the Asian Games qualification standard in the women’s 400m event.
The collaboration further underlines Australia’s increasing engagement with India’s sporting ecosystem through athlete development and community-focused programmes.
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