Union Minister Kiren Rijiju engages with Indian Community in Riyadh, highlights key initiatives
Riyadh: The Indian Embassy in Riyadh hosted an Indian Community Interaction Program on January 11, 2025, at its auditorium in the Diplomatic Quarter. The event, attended by Union Minister for Parliamentary and Minority Affairs Shri Kiren Rijiju, brought together Indian community members, embassy officials, and dignitaries.
Minister Rijiju was welcomed with a traditional Himachali cap and shawl, symbolising India's cultural richness. Indian Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Dr. Suhel Ajaz Khan, shared the stage with the Minister.
In his address, Rijiju highlighted the growing strategic partnership between India and Saudi Arabia, emphasising the importance of strengthening bilateral ties in trade, education, technology, and culture. He recognised the contributions of the 2.6 million Indians in Saudi Arabia and their role in enhancing the relationship between the two nations.
A significant part of the Minister's speech focused on the preparations for Hajj 2025. He announced an increase in the Hajj quota for Indian pilgrims and outlined new measures to improve the experience for elderly pilgrims, women, and others. These efforts include enhanced travel, accommodation, and healthcare facilities in collaboration with Saudi authorities, ensuring a smoother and more comfortable pilgrimage.
Rijiju also touched on India's rising global stature, noting how India has transformed into a global center of power, with strong ties to nearly every nation. He expressed pride in the positive shift in global perceptions of India and its people.
The Minister commended the Indian Embassy in Riyadh and the Consulate in Jeddah for their exceptional work, particularly in managing one of the busiest workloads among Indian missions worldwide, including processing around 600 passports daily. He also praised the Embassy's active involvement in promoting bilateral relations.
The evening featured cultural performances by students from Indian International Schools in Riyadh, showcasing India's diverse linguistic and cultural heritage. Rijiju expressed appreciation for the students' performances, highlighting the importance of respecting all Indian languages.
The event concluded with the distribution of prizes to competition winners, leaving attendees inspired by their shared cultural roots. Dinesh Setia, First Secretary at the Indian Embassy, served as the master of ceremonies, ensuring the smooth flow of the program.
The Indian community in Riyadh expressed their gratitude to Rijiju for his inspiring vision and the Embassy for hosting a memorable evening.
(Inputs from Dr. & Adv. P.A. Hameed Padubidri, Riyadh)
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Former India hockey coach Michael Nobbs dies
Melbourne (PTI): Former Australian hockey player Michael Nobbs, who coached the Indian men's team at the 2012 London Olympics, has died after a prolonged illness.
He was 72 years old and is survived by his wife Lee Capes, a former Australian women's international and daughter Kaitlin, who is a current Hockeyroos star.
"Hockey Australia extends its deepest condolences to Michael’s family, friends, former teammates, players and all those whose lives and careers were shaped by his contribution to hockey. He will be remembered as a proud Kookaburra, a respected professional, and a servant of the sport," Hockey Australia said in a statement.
Nobbs represented Australia as a defender, playing across the half-back line and at fullback, and was renowned for his reliability, fitness and professionalism. He earned 76 international caps for Australia between 1979 and 1985, scoring one goal, and was a member of one of the strongest eras in Australian men’s hockey, said Hockey Australia on its website in its tribute.
Nobbs was an integral part of the Australian teams that competed at the 1981 Hockey World Cup in Bombay and the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics.
While part of a generation widely regarded as one of Australia’s finest, he consistently held his place through hard work, discipline and trust earned from teammates and coaches, Hockey Australia wrote.
Nobbs took over the coaching of the Indian men's team in 2011 after it had failed to qualify for the Beijing Games in 2008. While India were brilliant in the qualifiers, the team finished last at the London extravaganza which also expedited the Australian coach's sacking.
Apart from India, Nobbs also coached Japan.
