The Esports Federation of India and New Zealand Esports Federation Incorporated have drafted a memorandum of understanding to strengthen cooperation between the two countries’ esports communities, the federations said Monday.
Agreement aims and context
The proposed agreement, drafted in Auckland during centenary celebrations marking 100 years of sporting ties between India and New Zealand, is intended to establish a framework for knowledge exchange, shared learning and practical collaboration, the federations said. Officials described the initiative as a way to create opportunities for players and to promote cultural exchange through competitive and community events.
Who took part- The Indian delegation visited Auckland from Oct. 23 to Oct. 26 at the invitation of New Zealand Esports and the New Zealand Government.
- New Zealand attendees included General Secretary Ben Lenihan and CEO Jonathan Jansen; Sport NZ was represented by Brent Sheldrake.
- The Esports Federation of India delegation included ESFI Honorary General Secretary Lokesh Suji.
“Bringing players together would create opportunities to compete, share cultures and build friendships among young people,” Jonathan Jansen said.
Planned cooperation and competition
ESFI said the MoU is expected to enable exchanges of expertise, joint programs and sustained cooperation between the two federations and their communities. Lokesh Suji said the partnership would allow both organizations to exchange expertise, create opportunities for players and develop sustained cooperation.
The bilateral program in Auckland included several sporting disciplines alongside esports, and India’s esports contingent competed in eFootball and Clash Royale as part of head-to-head events against New Zealand. The visit featured three Indian gamers representing the country during the four-day program.
Next steps- The federations said they had drafted the MoU during the visit; both sides described it as a framework for future collaboration rather than a final, signed treaty.
- Officials linked the esports initiative to broader cultural and sporting exchanges taking place as part of the centenary celebrations.
Representatives from both federations attended meetings and events designed to identify areas for joint programming and player exchanges, including competitive fixtures in mobile and console esports titles that were part of the visit itinerary.
Officials did not attach a timetable or public signing date to the draft memorandum in their statements Monday.
