100 Years of Unity through Sport – New Zealand and India
In 2026, New Zealand and India mark 100 years of connection through sport.
This milestone traces back to 1926, when an Indian Army hockey team toured New Zealand for the first time, bringing players and communities together.
Since then, sport has played an important role in connecting our countries – notably through hockey and cricket, but also across many other sports and exchanges. It’s a relationship built on sportsmanship, camaraderie and mutual respect. It continues today through the Indian community in New Zealand – one of our largest and fastest-growing communities.
This year, we celebrate that shared history.
About the programme
‘100 Years of Unity through Sport’ brings people together across Aotearoa to celebrate sport, culture and community.
The programme includes events throughout the year hosted in 5 cities – Auckland, Christchurch, Hamilton, Tauranga and Wellington – with much of the activity taking place across October and November 2026.
These events span international sporting tours, community celebrations, and cultural and business events – creating opportunities for people to connect, support their teams, celebrate Indian culture and the shared links between our countries.
Across the programme, you can:
attend live sporting events
join local community celebrations and activities
experience food, film, fashion and cultural events
connect with others through shared interests and experiences.
Events and celebrations in each host city
The 100 Years of Unity through Sport programme includes community events, cultural celebrations and visitor experiences alongside the sporting fixtures. Find out what’s happening in your city.
Where to watch sport
New Zealand will host a series of sporting events across Auckland, Christchurch, Hamilton, Tauranga and Wellington in October and November.
The schedule includes cricket, hockey, football, bowls, eSports, beach volleyball, a business and sport innovation summit and even a kabaddi exhibition.
25 October
Auckland
12-13 November
Auckland
14-15 November
Tauranga
13 and 14 November
Tauranga
12-13 November
Auckland
The New Zealand–India Business, Sport and Innovation Summit will bring together leaders from across business, sport, innovation, education and government to strengthen connections between New Zealand and India.
If you’d like to know more
The programme is supported by MBIE’s Event Boost Fund and led by Sport NZ, working in partnership with national sports organisations, government agencies, councils and community groups. It supports New Zealand’s Sport Diplomacy Strategy 2025–2030, with India a priority partner.
If you have any questions or would like more information, contact Programme Director Jamie Tout at: jamie.tout@sportnz.org.nz.
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