30/08/2026
HISTORIC SPORTS DIPLOMACY: SOFTBALL ASSOCIATION OF INDIA AND SOFTBALL NEW ZEALAND SIGN LANDMARK MoU AT HOTEL THE LALIT, NEW DELHI.
A Game-Changing Partnership Inspired by the Vision of Hon'ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi Ji & The Right Honourable Christopher Luxon, Prime Minister of New Zealand.
In a momentous and historic first for Indian sports, the Softball Association of India (SBAI) and Softball New Zealand (SNZ) – one of the world's most decorated and powerful Softball nation – today signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the holistic development and promotion of Softball in both nations.
The grand signing ceremony was held at Hotel The Lalit, New Delhi, marking the dawn of a new era in Indo-New Zealand Sports Diplomacy.
A Vision Realized – From the Prime Ministers' Call to the Playing Field.
This historic alliance is a direct and proud outcome of the visionary meeting of Hon'ble Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modi Ji with The Right Honourable Christopher Luxon, Hon'ble Prime Minister of New Zealand, during the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister to New Zealand in 40 years, which elevated bilateral relations to a Strategic Partnership. On this historic occasion, both leaders commemorated 100 years of sporting relations, tracing back to the historic 1926 New Zealand tour by the Indian Army hockey team led by Major Dhyan Chand. Both Prime Ministers announced a comprehensive action plan to expand collaboration beyond cricket into coaching, sports science, technology, high-performance training, and youth sports, and this landmark Softball MoU forms a key part of that vision. The Softball Association of India expresses its deepest gratitude to both Prime Ministers for their far-sighted leadership and statesmanship which has made this historic international partnership possible.
The MoU was formally signed by:
- Mr.Jay Changlani, BM, Softball New Zealand.
- Dr.Pravin Anaokar, Secretary General, SBAI.
The function was graced and attended by Mr. Jay Changlani, Board Member, Softball New Zealand and the Office Bearers of the Softball Association of India led by Dr. Pravin Anaokar, Secretary General, Softball Association of India, Mr. Waseem Raja Khan, Joint Secretary, Softball Association of India, & Ms.Shibani Tagore, Joint Secretary, SBAI, Mr.Vijay Gaur, SBAI.
The MoU will be effective for an initial period of four years and encompasses seven strategic pillars of collaboration, including Athlete Development, Coaching Excellence, Technical Officials Development, Infrastructure & High-Performance Systems, and Grassroots Growth.
THREE GAME-CHANGING PILLARS OF THIS PARTNERSHIP:
1. INAUGURAL INDO-NEW ZEALAND SOFTBALL SERIES:
In a first-of-its-kind initiative, a bilateral international Softball league/series will be launched and hosted alternately in India and New Zealand. This will provide unprecedented, world-class international exposure to Indian athletes on a regular basis.
2. WORLD-CLASS COACHING SUPPORT FOR INDIA:
In a major boost to Indian softball, Softball New Zealand has graciously agreed to provide internationally reputed, high-performance coaches for Indian National Teams, including *Senior, Junior, and Women's teams. This will transform our coaching ecosystem and prepare our teams for Asian Games, World Cups and Olympics.
3. COMPREHENSIVE GRASSROOTS TO HIGH-PERFORMANCE PROGRAMME:
Both federations will jointly conduct inclusive grassroots development clinics, training for umpires & scorers, sports science and high-performance system building across India, with a special focus on youth, women athletes, and dedicated, structured pathways for all genders across all age groups in schools, colleges, universities and emerging communities.
Speaking on the occasion, the leadership of SBAI stated, _"This is not just an MoU; it is a movement. For the first time, Indian Softball will have a direct pipeline to a world champion system. This partnership will be a game-changer for our youth, our Nari Shakti, and for emerging talent from every State and Union Territory of our country. This is the beginning of India's journey to become a global softball powerhouse.
This alliance will strengthen the sporting and cultural bonds between India and New Zealand and will contribute meaningfully to the international Softball community.
About Softball Association of India (SBAI): The apex governing body for Softball in India, committed to the promotion and development of Softball from grassroots to elite level.
About Softball New Zealand (SNZ): The national governing body for softball in New Zealand, recognized globally as one of the most successful Softball nations in the world, with multiple world championship titles.
Media Contact:
Softball Association of India
