Modi calls New Zealand a generous nation, recalls Dhyan Chand legacy

In Auckland on July 11, Prime Minister Narendra Modi described New Zealand as a “generous land” where abilities are recognised and nurtured. He honoured three Indian‑born cricketers – Rachin Ravindra, Ish Sodhi and Ajaz Patel – who are currently playing for the New Zealand side. Modi evoked the memory of Major Dhyan Chand’s spectacular display a hundred years earlier, which endeared Indian hockey to the New Zealand public. The speech underscored the limitless potential of Indo‑New Zealand sports partnership, citing the All Blacks’ latest win and India’s ambition to learn rugby through specialist coaching. He highlighted the Bhubaneswar rugby‑coaching programme as an encouraging first step and praised a New Zealand sports‑startup event for its innovative ideas that could boost sports technology collaboration.