Auckland, July 11 -- Marking the centenary of sporting relations between India and New Zealand, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday announced that the newly launched India-New Zealand Joint Action Plan on Sport will aggressively expand athletic cooperation far beyond cricket, using rugby and hockey as premier anchors.

Addressing the 'Gala Lunch' hosted in his honour by New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon in Auckland, PM Modi highlighted that the modern sporting partnership between the two nations is rooted in a century-old historical milestone established by hockey wizard Major Dhyan Chand. Following the lunch, PM Modi and Prime Minister Luxon attended a high-profile sports event together in Auckland.

"This year, we are ce...