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US nonprofit promotes baseball development in India
The two organizations have launched a new “Sponsor a Player” campaign to accelerate opportunities for underrepresented Indian athletes.
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Malvika Choudhary - Wed, 28, May 2025
- 16:53 EDT
- 5
Kanwal Sra, CEO DDA speaking at the DDA's BallPark Inauguration in India while Sonny Parmar, Board Member, DDA joined virtually from USA / Diamond Dreams Academy Corporation
U.S.-based nonprofit Diamond Dreams Academy (DDA) strengthened its partnership with Stashlete, a micro-donation platform, to advance grassroots baseball development in India.
The two organizations have launched a new “Sponsor a Player” campaign to accelerate opportunities for underrepresented Indian athletes. The campaign enables donors to contribute toward players’ training, equipment, nutrition, and international exposure. DDA offers all its programs at no cost to athletes.
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The announcement followed the inauguration of India’s first MLB-standard ballpark in Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh on May 5. Developed in collaboration with the IPS Group of Colleges, the facility serves as a training and development hub offering free, high-performance coaching and holistic support for underserved youth.
“We are here to celebrate DDA for this milestone of building the first MLB-standard ballpark in India. At the heart of this partnership are young athletes who deserve a shot, regardless of where they come from,” said Melissa Seigler, founder and CEO of Stashlete, speaking virtually from the U.S.
Speaking at the ballpark inauguration, Sonny Parmar, board member of DDA, said, “This partnership is not just about promoting baseball—it’s about empowering young people with opportunity. At DDA, we’re committed to bridging cultures, fostering unity, and unlocking the immense potential of India’s youth through this global sport.”
Sam Brooks, business development manager at Stashlete, also joined the ceremony virtually. “Partnering with DDA isn’t just business—it’s deeply personal. We’re here to ensure that no kid loses their shot at greatness just because of financial barriers,” he said.
DDA’s long-term vision includes creating scholarship pipelines with Indian and U.S. universities. Karan Sharma, who helped forge the DDA-IPS partnership, said, “This partnership will ensure Indian players have the platform they need to compete globally. DDA is here to ensure young players from India have a legitimate pathway to college sports in the U.S. and international careers in baseball.”
The Ballpark inauguration was attended by Bharat Singh Kushwah, Member of Parliament; Arvind Saxena, inspector general of police; and Anoop Mishra, former MP. DDA’s U.S.-based supporters, including Stashlete’s Sam Brooks, also joined the event virtually.
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