India and New Zealand Draft Esports Cooperation MoU
The Esports Federation of India (ESFI) and the New Zealand Esports Federation (NZ Esports) have drafted a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen cooperation in esports between the two countries. The initiative was announced in Auckland during celebrations marking 100 Years of Unity Through Sport between India and New Zealand.
The proposed agreement seeks to establish a framework for sharing expertise, exchanging knowledge and creating opportunities for players and esports communities in both countries.
Esports Partnership to Strengthen Bilateral Ties
The draft MoU proceedings were attended by NZ Esports General Secretary Ben Lenihan, Chief Executive Officer Jonathan Jansen and Sport New Zealand representative Brent Sheldrake.
Jonathan Jansen said esports offered a new way to build on the longstanding relationship between India and New Zealand, traditionally strengthened by cricket. He highlighted the potential for players to compete, share cultures and develop friendships through gaming.
ESFI General Secretary Lokesh Suji said the proposed partnership would enable both federations to exchange expertise, create opportunities for players and establish sustained cooperation beyond competitions. He also thanked the New Zealand federation and government for inviting the Indian delegation to the centenary celebrations.
Indian Gamers Participate in Bilateral Competition
The four-day Indian delegation visit, from October 23 to 26, also features a bilateral esports competition involving three Indian gamers competing against New Zealand players.
Shagun Srivastava is participating in the women’s Clash Royale category, while Ibrahim Iyer is competing in women’s eFootball. Chinmay Sahoo is representing India in the men’s eFootball console category.
Srivastava and Sahoo secured their places through the Esports Federation of India’s National Esports Championships 2026 (NESC2026) qualifiers. Iyer, a medical doctor, earned selection through a special match involving leading women eFootball players.
Sporting Programme Celebrates 100 Years of Unity
The centenary programme features several sporting disciplines, including cricket, football and esports. The initiative aims to strengthen people-to-people connections through sporting competition, cultural exchange and mutual learning.
Sport New Zealand representative Brent Sheldrake also highlighted the value of international sporting events in helping participants understand each other’s cultures and build lasting relationships.
The proposed MoU could provide a foundation for deeper esports engagement between India and New Zealand in the coming years.
