India and New Zealand Ink Historic Esports Pact to Boost Gaming Ties
India and New Zealand strengthen ties with a historic Esports MoU signed during the 100 Years of Unity Through Sport celebrations in Auckland.
In a landmark move to bridge the gap between traditional athletics and digital competition, the Esports Federation of India (ESFI) and the New Zealand Esports Federation Incorporated (NZ Esports) have drafted a historic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). This strategic alliance aims to bolster cooperation and foster a deeper relationship between the gaming communities of the two nations.
The announcement took place in Auckland, coinciding with the "100 Years of Unity Through Sport" celebrations, a programme designed to commemorate a century of sporting kinship between India and New Zealand.
A New Era of Digital Diplomacy
The proposed MoU is designed to create a structured framework for shared learning, knowledge exchange, and practical collaboration. By aligning their goals, both federations intend to provide their respective esports ecosystems with better resources and opportunities for growth.
The Indian delegation travelled to Auckland following an official invitation from the Government of New Zealand and NZ Esports. The proceedings were witnessed by key figures, including Ben Lenihan (General Secretary, NZ Esports), Jonathan Jansen (CEO, NZ Esports), and Brent Sheldrake of Sport NZ.
“Cricket has brought New Zealand and India together for generations. Esports gives us a new way to build on that connection with the young people of today,” said Jonathan Jansen, CEO of NZ Esports. He emphasized that bringing players together creates vital opportunities to compete, share cultures, and build lifelong friendships.
Beyond the Screen: Culture and Connection
While the focus is on competition, the initiative places a heavy emphasis on the human element of gaming. Brent Sheldrake of Sport NZ noted that international matches allow individuals to connect through a shared passion, encouraging players to learn about each other's cultures alongside the thrill of the game.
Lokesh Suji, Hon General Secretary of ESFI, highlighted that the partnership extends far beyond simple tournaments. He stated that the collaboration will allow the federations to exchange expertise and establish sustained cooperation, thanking the New Zealand government for including India in the centenary celebrations.
Action on the Virtual Field
The "100 Years of Unity Through Sport" programme isn't limited to esports; it also celebrates traditional disciplines like football and cricket. However, the esports contingent has added a modern flair to the festivities, with Indian gamers competing in eFootball and Clash Royale.
As part of a four-day visit from October 23 to 26, three elite Indian gamers are facing off against New Zealand counterparts in bilateral events:
- Shagun Srivastava: Competing in the women’s Clash Royale category.
- Dr. Ibrahim Iyer: A medical doctor competing in women’s eFootball.
- Chinmay Sahoo: Competing in the men’s eFootball console category.
The selection process for the team was rigorous. While Srivastava and Sahoo secured their spots through the ESFI’s national qualifiers (NESC2026), Dr. Iyer was selected via a specialized match featuring the top women eFootball players in the country.