India-Japan to sign MOU for Cooperation in Sports

New Delhi, May 6, 2016: A 12 member delegation from Japan led by Mr.HASE Hiroshi, Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology, Government of Japan called on Mr.Sarbananda Sonowal, Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Youth Affairs & Sports.

Both sides agreed for exchange of sportspersons, coaches, sports experts, sports administrators etc., and decided that they will sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on cooperation in the field of sports.

In the wake of India hosting Under-17 FIFA World Cup in 2017, both sides agreed for promotion of football and exchange of players and coaches. It was also agreed that the two countries will also play friendly football matches.

Mr. HASE Hiroshi, Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology, Government of Japan informed that the Government of Japan has launched ‘SPORT FOR TOMORROW’ to promote sports to more than 10 million people in 100 nations between 2014 and 2020, the year when Tokyo will host the Summer Olympic and Paralympic Games. The goal is to spread values learned through sports and increase awareness of the Olympic and Paralympic movement to people of all generations worldwide. Mr. HASE Hiroshi, Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology, Government of Japan offered that India may also consider taking coaches, instructors from Japan under ‘SPORT FOR TOMORROW’ programme. Mr. Sarbananda Sonowal, Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Youth Affairs & Sports welcomed Japan’s initiative and stated that India will certainly like to avail coaches and instructors in those sports disciplines where Japan is strong.

Mr. HASE Hiroshi, Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology, Government of Japan extended invitation to Mr. Sarbananda Sonowal, Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Youth Affairs & Sports for attending “World Forum on Sport and Culture” to be held in October 2016 in Tokyo. Mr. Sarbananda Sonowal accepted the invitation.