India and New Zealand Ink Esports Cooperation Deal
The Esports Federation of India and New Zealand Esports Federation formalize a new memorandum to expand bilateral cooperation.
Updated on Oct. 25, 2026 in eSports
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The Esports Federation of India and the New Zealand Esports Federation have drafted a memorandum of understanding to foster knowledge exchange and shared learning. This partnership coincides with a bilateral event in Auckland featuring three Indian gamers.
Why it matters
The agreement aims to build upon historical sporting connections between the two nations by establishing a formal framework for practical collaboration. It seeks to integrate digital gaming into the broader athletic relationship between India and New Zealand.
The four-day visit by the Indian delegation marks a significant expansion of professional engagement. Three competitors, including Shagun Srivastava and Chinmay Sahoo, were selected for the event via national qualifying processes.
The players
Esports Federation of India
This is the governing body for esports in India that promotes and regulates competitive gaming across the country.
New Zealand Esports Federation
This organization serves as the official authority for esports development and competitive play within New Zealand.
Shagun Srivastava
She is an Indian gamer who was selected through national qualifiers to represent her country in the women's Clash Royale event.
Chinmay Sahoo
He is an Indian gamer who secured his spot through national qualifying to compete in the men's eFootball console category.
Ibrahim Iyer
She is an Indian competitor currently representing the national delegation in the women's eFootball event.
The details
The Indian delegation traveled to Auckland at the invitation of the New Zealand government and NZ Esports to participate in eFootball and Clash Royale competitions. This initiative takes place during the 100 Years of Unity Through Sport celebration, highlighting the focus on deepening international ties.
Timeline
October 23, 2026: The four-day Indian delegation visit to Auckland begins.
October 25, 2026: The memorandum of understanding between the two federations is drafted in Auckland.
October 26, 2026: The four-day official visit concludes.
Season Trajectory
This memorandum follows the pattern of collaborative sports diplomacy established by the 100 Years of Unity Through Sport celebrations. It shifts the regional trajectory by formalizing digital competition as a key component of the ongoing India-New Zealand athletic partnership.
The inclusion of national qualifiers for Shagun Srivastava and Chinmay Sahoo highlights the growing formalization of esports talent pipelines in India. This agreement sets the stage for future bilateral tournaments that may eventually impact regional rankings and professional opportunities.
The takeaway
This partnership demonstrates that digital gaming is increasingly recognized as a valid pillar of modern international athletic diplomacy. Readers can look for similar cross-border agreements as nations seek to cultivate homegrown talent through shared knowledge exchanges.
Further reading
Learn more about international digital competition trends by visiting our eSports section.
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