Overview
- Governing body
- SAI Softball
- Origin
- 19th century USA
- Olympic discipline
- Yes
- Category
- Team
- Total players listed
- …
Softball is one of India's most-followed disciplines. The SAI Softball oversees national federation activity, talent identification and Olympic qualification pathways. Major support flows in through TOPS and Khelo India for athletes who clear federation benchmarks.
Softball is a recognised Olympic discipline, which shapes the entire high-performance pipeline in India. Athletes who break into the senior national camp become eligible for the Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS), which funds international training stints, foreign coaches, sports science support, equipment and travel for ranking events. Below the senior tier, the Khelo India Youth Games, University Games and Winter Games act as the country's largest scouting net, feeding talent into the Khelo India Talent Development scheme where annual stipends, boarding and dedicated coaching are provided at SAI National Centres of Excellence and accredited academies. The Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports tracks every selected athlete's progress against published benchmarks, and underperformance can mean a drop from the scheme — the pathway is rigorous by design.
As a team sport, Softball in India is built around a club, district and state structure that culminates in national-level inter-state competition. State associations affiliated to the SAI Softball run age-group leagues from under-14 upwards, with the strongest pools historically coming from states with established grassroots infrastructure. Franchise leagues — where they exist — sit on top of this pyramid and have transformed athlete earnings, broadcast visibility and the professionalisation of coaching and support staff. School and college tournaments under SGFI and AIU remain the primary discovery route for players who do not come through a private academy.
At the grassroots, the route into Softball typically starts at school under the School Games Federation of India (SGFI), at the inter-university level under the Association of Indian Universities (AIU), or through a private academy registered with the state association. The Khelo India Youth Games and Khelo India University Games are the largest single discovery platforms — athletes who reach the podium at these events become eligible for the Khelo India Talent Development scheme, which funds boarding, coaching, kit, education and a monthly stipend at accredited centres. State sports awards and central government jobs under the sports quota remain a powerful incentive for athletes from smaller towns.
Softball originated in 19th century USA, and in India it has developed a distinct character shaped by the country's geography, demographics and sporting culture. Whether you want to compete, coach, sponsor, write about or simply follow Softball, the practical starting point is the same: connect with your state association under the SAI Softball, identify the nearest SAI centre or accredited academy, and track the Khelo India and federation calendars for the events that decide selection at every level. Softball is played and developed across India under the SAI Softball, with grassroots programmes, state associations and national-level competition pathways.
History
How softball evolved globally and took root in India.
Softball traces its modern origins to 19th century USA. Codified rules, standard equipment and international competition took shape as the sport spread beyond its birthplace, and SAI Softball is the body that carried it into organised Indian competition.
In India, softball grew through princely-state patronage, defence-service teams, universities and state associations. Post-independence, the discipline was formalised under SAI Softball, national championships were instituted, and the Sports Authority of India (SAI) later brought it into the centralised high-performance system with dedicated centres, coaching cadres and sports-science support.
Softball being on the Olympic programme reshaped its Indian pathway: Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS) selection, Khelo India Talent Development stipends and international training stints became the norm for the country's leading athletes.
Indian Players
Loading…- Aakash KhannaManipurCatcher
Defensive backbone behind the plate; among the state leaders in caught-stealing percentage.
- Aakash RoyHimachal PradeshSecond Base
Quick-handed second baseman; key piece of a state-best double-play combination.
- Aakash SrivastavaArunachal PradeshUtility
Multi-position utility player; comfortable in the infield, outfield and as a pinch runner.
- Aarav NegiChandigarhUtility
Multi-position utility player; comfortable in the infield, outfield and as a pinch runner.
- Aarav PillayPuducherryThird Base
Hot-corner specialist with a cannon arm and clutch run-producing bat.
- Aditya AhujaHimachal PradeshCatcher
Game-calling catcher with a strong arm and clutch hitting in late innings.
- Aditya PatnaikOdishaFirst Base
Reliable first baseman known for picking low throws and a smooth left-handed swing.
- Advik PantOdishaCatcher
Game-calling catcher with a strong arm and clutch hitting in late innings.
- Advik RajputKeralaPitcher
Power pitcher leading the state in strikeouts the past two seasons.
- Advik SahooTamil NaduOutfielder
Speed-first outfielder with gap-to-gap power and a strong throwing arm from center.
- Akhil BhosaleChhattisgarhThird Base
Aggressive third baseman; led the state in doubles last season.
- Ananya SubramanianTelanganaFirst Base
Reliable first baseman known for picking low throws and a smooth left-handed swing.
- Anika ChakrabortyJharkhandCatcher
Game-calling catcher with a strong arm and clutch hitting in late innings.
- Anika GuptaKeralaOutfielder
Speed-first outfielder with gap-to-gap power and a strong throwing arm from center.
- Anika NaiduHimachal PradeshOutfielder
Corner outfielder with prototype power and patience at the plate.
- Anika PawarPunjabSecond Base
Quick-handed second baseman; key piece of a state-best double-play combination.
- Arjun RathodSikkimFirst Base
Power-hitting first baseman who paces the side for extra-base hits.
- Arnav RawatJharkhandFirst Base
Power-hitting first baseman who paces the side for extra-base hits.
- Asmita SuriMeghalayaSecond Base
Contact-first second baseman with a high on-base percentage at the top of the order.
- Avani BeheraUttarakhandCatcher
Game-calling catcher with a strong arm and clutch hitting in late innings.
- Avani SahaWest BengalUtility
Versatile utility softballer who fills any gap and contributes situational hitting.
- Avani SolankiManipurSecond Base
Contact-first second baseman with a high on-base percentage at the top of the order.
- Bhanu AhujaMizoramCatcher
Game-calling catcher with a strong arm and clutch hitting in late innings.
- Bharat MittalDelhiCatcher
Defensive backbone behind the plate; among the state leaders in caught-stealing percentage.
- Bhavesh KumarMizoramThird Base
Hot-corner specialist with a cannon arm and clutch run-producing bat.
- Bhavesh SolankiGujaratShortstop
Range-y shortstop and lead-off hitter; the team's defensive anchor up the middle.
- Bhavna PrasadUttar PradeshThird Base
Hot-corner specialist with a cannon arm and clutch run-producing bat.
- Bhavya RaoChandigarhPitcher
Left-handed circle-change specialist who anchors the rotation in National League play.
- Bhavya TiwariMizoramSecond Base
Quick-handed second baseman; key piece of a state-best double-play combination.
- Bhumi PillaiTamil NaduUtility
Versatile utility softballer who fills any gap and contributes situational hitting.
- Bhumi YadavBiharShortstop
Range-y shortstop and lead-off hitter; the team's defensive anchor up the middle.
- Chandni PillaiSikkimShortstop
Range-y shortstop and lead-off hitter; the team's defensive anchor up the middle.
- Chirag RawatDelhiThird Base
Hot-corner specialist with a cannon arm and clutch run-producing bat.
- Darshan NegiJammu & KashmirShortstop
Range-y shortstop and lead-off hitter; the team's defensive anchor up the middle.
- Darshan PathakPuducherrySecond Base
Contact-first second baseman with a high on-base percentage at the top of the order.
- Devansh PrasadGujaratThird Base
Hot-corner specialist with a cannon arm and clutch run-producing bat.
- Devansh RajputAssamOutfielder
Speed-first outfielder with gap-to-gap power and a strong throwing arm from center.
- Devansh ReddyGoaPitcher
Right-handed windmill pitcher with a mid-60s mph rise ball and tight drop.
- Devyani SuriMaharashtraOutfielder
Speed-first outfielder with gap-to-gap power and a strong throwing arm from center.
- Disha PandeyWest BengalFirst Base
Reliable first baseman known for picking low throws and a smooth left-handed swing.
- Divya BishtMizoramSecond Base
Contact-first second baseman with a high on-base percentage at the top of the order.
- Divya RanaGujaratOutfielder
Corner outfielder with prototype power and patience at the plate.
- Divya SenDelhiPitcher
Left-handed circle-change specialist who anchors the rotation in National League play.
- Divya ShettyMizoramSecond Base
Contact-first second baseman with a high on-base percentage at the top of the order.
- Diya AhujaPunjabCatcher
Defensive backbone behind the plate; among the state leaders in caught-stealing percentage.
- Eklavya MehtaMeghalayaFirst Base
Power-hitting first baseman who paces the side for extra-base hits.
- Ekta DeshpandeKarnatakaUtility
Versatile utility softballer who fills any gap and contributes situational hitting.
- Eshan KrishnanKeralaShortstop
Switch-hitting shortstop with elite glove work and consistent slap-hitting.
- Eshan SuriArunachal PradeshOutfielder
Speed-first outfielder with gap-to-gap power and a strong throwing arm from center.
- Eshan TyagiSikkimCatcher
Defensive backbone behind the plate; among the state leaders in caught-stealing percentage.
- Eshani TomarTelanganaShortstop
Range-y shortstop and lead-off hitter; the team's defensive anchor up the middle.
- Faisal BanerjeeRajasthanCatcher
Game-calling catcher with a strong arm and clutch hitting in late innings.
- Faisal PillaiJammu & KashmirShortstop
Switch-hitting shortstop with elite glove work and consistent slap-hitting.
- Falguni SubramanianJharkhandCatcher
Game-calling catcher with a strong arm and clutch hitting in late innings.
- Firoz PandeyMeghalayaShortstop
Switch-hitting shortstop with elite glove work and consistent slap-hitting.
- Firoz PathakJammu & KashmirUtility
Versatile utility softballer who fills any gap and contributes situational hitting.
- Gagan BhatiaPuducherryUtility
Multi-position utility player; comfortable in the infield, outfield and as a pinch runner.
- Gagan MitraArunachal PradeshUtility
Multi-position utility player; comfortable in the infield, outfield and as a pinch runner.
- Gagan PandeyGoaOutfielder
Speed-first outfielder with gap-to-gap power and a strong throwing arm from center.
- Gagan RaoHimachal PradeshThird Base
Hot-corner specialist with a cannon arm and clutch run-producing bat.
- Garima KumarTripuraSecond Base
Contact-first second baseman with a high on-base percentage at the top of the order.
- Garima SahaKarnatakaThird Base
Aggressive third baseman; led the state in doubles last season.
- Gaurav BhallaMizoramThird Base
Aggressive third baseman; led the state in doubles last season.
- Gaurav PillaiOdishaThird Base
Aggressive third baseman; led the state in doubles last season.
- Gaurav YadavKarnatakaThird Base
Aggressive third baseman; led the state in doubles last season.
- Gauri KamathArunachal PradeshThird Base
Aggressive third baseman; led the state in doubles last season.
- Geetika RoyJammu & KashmirThird Base
Hot-corner specialist with a cannon arm and clutch run-producing bat.
- Gitanjali TyagiMadhya PradeshUtility
Multi-position utility player; comfortable in the infield, outfield and as a pinch runner.
- Harini MahapatraMizoramPitcher
Right-handed windmill pitcher with a mid-60s mph rise ball and tight drop.
- Harshita PawarGoaOutfielder
Speed-first outfielder with gap-to-gap power and a strong throwing arm from center.
- Harshita PillaiGoaThird Base
Aggressive third baseman; led the state in doubles last season.
- Harshita SuriJharkhandThird Base
Hot-corner specialist with a cannon arm and clutch run-producing bat.
- Harshita TomarHaryanaFirst Base
Reliable first baseman known for picking low throws and a smooth left-handed swing.
- Heer ShettyTelanganaPitcher
Right-handed windmill pitcher with a mid-60s mph rise ball and tight drop.
- Hema BeheraJammu & KashmirOutfielder
Speed-first outfielder with gap-to-gap power and a strong throwing arm from center.
- Hema ChandraNagalandThird Base
Hot-corner specialist with a cannon arm and clutch run-producing bat.
- Hema DuttaUttarakhandPitcher
Power pitcher leading the state in strikeouts the past two seasons.
- Hiral PatilJammu & KashmirOutfielder
Corner outfielder with prototype power and patience at the plate.
- Hrithik RaoGoaFirst Base
Power-hitting first baseman who paces the side for extra-base hits.
- Ila SuriUttar PradeshShortstop
Switch-hitting shortstop with elite glove work and consistent slap-hitting.
- Imran PawarBiharThird Base
Hot-corner specialist with a cannon arm and clutch run-producing bat.
- Indira ChatterjeeAndhra PradeshSecond Base
Contact-first second baseman with a high on-base percentage at the top of the order.
- Indira KapoorGujaratSecond Base
Contact-first second baseman with a high on-base percentage at the top of the order.
- Ira BoseHimachal PradeshOutfielder
Corner outfielder with prototype power and patience at the plate.
- Ira RoyMizoramShortstop
Switch-hitting shortstop with elite glove work and consistent slap-hitting.
- Ishaan BansalRajasthanSecond Base
Quick-handed second baseman; key piece of a state-best double-play combination.
- Ishita RanaGujaratShortstop
Range-y shortstop and lead-off hitter; the team's defensive anchor up the middle.
- Jaideep PillaiBiharFirst Base
Reliable first baseman known for picking low throws and a smooth left-handed swing.
- Jaideep RajputHimachal PradeshUtility
Versatile utility softballer who fills any gap and contributes situational hitting.
- Janvi RoyAndhra PradeshUtility
Multi-position utility player; comfortable in the infield, outfield and as a pinch runner.
- Jaspreet BanerjeeGoaPitcher
Power pitcher leading the state in strikeouts the past two seasons.
- Jatin DeshpandeUttar PradeshOutfielder
Speed-first outfielder with gap-to-gap power and a strong throwing arm from center.
- Jhanvi PillaiChhattisgarhUtility
Versatile utility softballer who fills any gap and contributes situational hitting.
- Jignesh AhujaAssamFirst Base
Power-hitting first baseman who paces the side for extra-base hits.
- Jignesh BhattacharyaMeghalayaOutfielder
Corner outfielder with prototype power and patience at the plate.
- Kabir AgarwalTamil NaduPitcher
Left-handed circle-change specialist who anchors the rotation in National League play.
- Kabir AwasthiAndhra PradeshSecond Base
Contact-first second baseman with a high on-base percentage at the top of the order.
- Kabir ChatterjeeJharkhandFirst Base
Power-hitting first baseman who paces the side for extra-base hits.
- Kabir NaiduAssamFirst Base
Power-hitting first baseman who paces the side for extra-base hits.
- Kavya MukherjeeJharkhandPitcher
Right-handed windmill pitcher with a mid-60s mph rise ball and tight drop.
- Keshav DubeJharkhandUtility
Versatile utility softballer who fills any gap and contributes situational hitting.
- Kiara BasuKeralaThird Base
Hot-corner specialist with a cannon arm and clutch run-producing bat.
- Kiran BanerjeeTripuraUtility
Multi-position utility player; comfortable in the infield, outfield and as a pinch runner.
- Komal PantOdishaFirst Base
Reliable first baseman known for picking low throws and a smooth left-handed swing.
- Krishna ParmarMadhya PradeshThird Base
Aggressive third baseman; led the state in doubles last season.
- Kritika ParmarAssamPitcher
Right-handed windmill pitcher with a mid-60s mph rise ball and tight drop.
- Lakshay BhallaTamil NaduUtility
Versatile utility softballer who fills any gap and contributes situational hitting.
- Lakshay PrasadHaryanaShortstop
Range-y shortstop and lead-off hitter; the team's defensive anchor up the middle.
- Lakshmi RoyDelhiPitcher
Left-handed circle-change specialist who anchors the rotation in National League play.
- Lalit RathodGoaCatcher
Game-calling catcher with a strong arm and clutch hitting in late innings.
- Lokesh KhannaDelhiOutfielder
Corner outfielder with prototype power and patience at the plate.
- Mahima KrishnanAssamFirst Base
Reliable first baseman known for picking low throws and a smooth left-handed swing.
- Mahima SenTamil NaduFirst Base
Reliable first baseman known for picking low throws and a smooth left-handed swing.
- Manisha JadhavWest BengalOutfielder
Corner outfielder with prototype power and patience at the plate.
- Manisha ShahPunjabFirst Base
Reliable first baseman known for picking low throws and a smooth left-handed swing.
- Manisha SolankiAssamUtility
Multi-position utility player; comfortable in the infield, outfield and as a pinch runner.
- Meera AwasthiChandigarhFirst Base
Reliable first baseman known for picking low throws and a smooth left-handed swing.
- Meera BhallaMeghalayaThird Base
Hot-corner specialist with a cannon arm and clutch run-producing bat.
- Meera TiwariKeralaOutfielder
Corner outfielder with prototype power and patience at the plate.
- Mira IyerHaryanaPitcher
Right-handed windmill pitcher with a mid-60s mph rise ball and tight drop.
- Mira SinhaAndhra PradeshShortstop
Range-y shortstop and lead-off hitter; the team's defensive anchor up the middle.
- Naman DashAndhra PradeshUtility
Versatile utility softballer who fills any gap and contributes situational hitting.
- Naman DesaiRajasthanUtility
Versatile utility softballer who fills any gap and contributes situational hitting.
- Naman RanaTelanganaThird Base
Aggressive third baseman; led the state in doubles last season.
- Neel JoshiMizoramCatcher
Defensive backbone behind the plate; among the state leaders in caught-stealing percentage.
- Nidhi DuttaPuducherryFirst Base
Power-hitting first baseman who paces the side for extra-base hits.
- Nisha MukherjeeKeralaUtility
Multi-position utility player; comfortable in the infield, outfield and as a pinch runner.
- Nitin BhatiaKeralaOutfielder
Speed-first outfielder with gap-to-gap power and a strong throwing arm from center.
- Nitin PathakHimachal PradeshOutfielder
Corner outfielder with prototype power and patience at the plate.
- Nitin PrasadArunachal PradeshSecond Base
Contact-first second baseman with a high on-base percentage at the top of the order.
- Ojas RathodMizoramSecond Base
Contact-first second baseman with a high on-base percentage at the top of the order.
- Ojasvi DasHimachal PradeshSecond Base
Quick-handed second baseman; key piece of a state-best double-play combination.
- Omkar BhattacharyaTripuraCatcher
Game-calling catcher with a strong arm and clutch hitting in late innings.
- Pallavi PatilKeralaShortstop
Switch-hitting shortstop with elite glove work and consistent slap-hitting.
- Pankaj SahooArunachal PradeshCatcher
Defensive backbone behind the plate; among the state leaders in caught-stealing percentage.
- Pari MalhotraDelhiOutfielder
Speed-first outfielder with gap-to-gap power and a strong throwing arm from center.
- Parth NairHimachal PradeshPitcher
Right-handed windmill pitcher with a mid-60s mph rise ball and tight drop.
- Payal KrishnanRajasthanCatcher
Game-calling catcher with a strong arm and clutch hitting in late innings.
- Payal NagUttarakhandSecond Base
Contact-first second baseman with a high on-base percentage at the top of the order.
- Pranav SahaManipurOutfielder
Corner outfielder with prototype power and patience at the plate.
- Pranav SuriJammu & KashmirCatcher
Defensive backbone behind the plate; among the state leaders in caught-stealing percentage.
- Radhika DasBiharOutfielder
Corner outfielder with prototype power and patience at the plate.
- Rahul MehtaKarnatakaFirst Base
Power-hitting first baseman who paces the side for extra-base hits.
- Rahul RoyAssamSecond Base
Quick-handed second baseman; key piece of a state-best double-play combination.
- Rakesh SaxenaNagalandThird Base
Hot-corner specialist with a cannon arm and clutch run-producing bat.
- Rashmi AwasthiMizoramPitcher
Left-handed circle-change specialist who anchors the rotation in National League play.
- Rashmi PandeyHaryanaPitcher
Right-handed windmill pitcher with a mid-60s mph rise ball and tight drop.
- Reyansh BhatiaJammu & KashmirOutfielder
Speed-first outfielder with gap-to-gap power and a strong throwing arm from center.
- Reyansh ShahPuducherryShortstop
Switch-hitting shortstop with elite glove work and consistent slap-hitting.
- Rishi MenonMeghalayaSecond Base
Quick-handed second baseman; key piece of a state-best double-play combination.
- Rishi RawatManipurShortstop
Switch-hitting shortstop with elite glove work and consistent slap-hitting.
- Rishi SharmaAndhra PradeshFirst Base
Reliable first baseman known for picking low throws and a smooth left-handed swing.
- Ritvik PillayWest BengalCatcher
Game-calling catcher with a strong arm and clutch hitting in late innings.
- Riya BhatiaBiharThird Base
Hot-corner specialist with a cannon arm and clutch run-producing bat.
- Riya JadhavBiharPitcher
Right-handed windmill pitcher with a mid-60s mph rise ball and tight drop.
- Rohan JoshiKarnatakaOutfielder
Corner outfielder with prototype power and patience at the plate.
- Rohan PillaiManipurUtility
Versatile utility softballer who fills any gap and contributes situational hitting.
- Ruchi BeheraGoaPitcher
Left-handed circle-change specialist who anchors the rotation in National League play.
- Saanvi KarAndhra PradeshSecond Base
Contact-first second baseman with a high on-base percentage at the top of the order.
- Sameer TrivediManipurSecond Base
Quick-handed second baseman; key piece of a state-best double-play combination.
- Sandeep GuptaGujaratUtility
Multi-position utility player; comfortable in the infield, outfield and as a pinch runner.
- Sanket MenonGoaPitcher
Power pitcher leading the state in strikeouts the past two seasons.
- Sanya DeshpandeNagalandCatcher
Defensive backbone behind the plate; among the state leaders in caught-stealing percentage.
- Sanya KumarBiharCatcher
Defensive backbone behind the plate; among the state leaders in caught-stealing percentage.
- Sanya MehtaAndhra PradeshFirst Base
Power-hitting first baseman who paces the side for extra-base hits.
- Sara MalhotraManipurUtility
Multi-position utility player; comfortable in the infield, outfield and as a pinch runner.
- Sara SolankiManipurCatcher
Game-calling catcher with a strong arm and clutch hitting in late innings.
- Sara YadavMizoramSecond Base
Contact-first second baseman with a high on-base percentage at the top of the order.
- Shalini AgarwalJammu & KashmirOutfielder
Corner outfielder with prototype power and patience at the plate.
- Shalini BhatiaChandigarhThird Base
Hot-corner specialist with a cannon arm and clutch run-producing bat.
- Sneha RoyPuducherryThird Base
Hot-corner specialist with a cannon arm and clutch run-producing bat.
- Sneha VarmaPuducherryPitcher
Left-handed circle-change specialist who anchors the rotation in National League play.
- Tanmay ChandraHaryanaCatcher
Game-calling catcher with a strong arm and clutch hitting in late innings.
- Tanmay MitraUttarakhandFirst Base
Power-hitting first baseman who paces the side for extra-base hits.
- Tanmay NaiduTelanganaOutfielder
Corner outfielder with prototype power and patience at the plate.
- Tanmay PradhanUttar PradeshOutfielder
Speed-first outfielder with gap-to-gap power and a strong throwing arm from center.
- Tanvi RajputJharkhandSecond Base
Contact-first second baseman with a high on-base percentage at the top of the order.
- Tanvi SahaWest BengalCatcher
Defensive backbone behind the plate; among the state leaders in caught-stealing percentage.
- Tanvi YadavNagalandOutfielder
Speed-first outfielder with gap-to-gap power and a strong throwing arm from center.
- Tarak KrishnanChandigarhOutfielder
Speed-first outfielder with gap-to-gap power and a strong throwing arm from center.
- Umesh TiwariPunjabUtility
Multi-position utility player; comfortable in the infield, outfield and as a pinch runner.
- Urmila AhujaBiharCatcher
Game-calling catcher with a strong arm and clutch hitting in late innings.
- Urmila SarkarWest BengalCatcher
Defensive backbone behind the plate; among the state leaders in caught-stealing percentage.
- Urmila SubramanianMadhya PradeshPitcher
Right-handed windmill pitcher with a mid-60s mph rise ball and tight drop.
- Urvi PandeyMizoramCatcher
Defensive backbone behind the plate; among the state leaders in caught-stealing percentage.
- Vaishali MenonBiharPitcher
Left-handed circle-change specialist who anchors the rotation in National League play.
- Vanya AroraJammu & KashmirSecond Base
Contact-first second baseman with a high on-base percentage at the top of the order.
- Varsha GuptaArunachal PradeshThird Base
Aggressive third baseman; led the state in doubles last season.
- Varun ReddyMaharashtraOutfielder
Speed-first outfielder with gap-to-gap power and a strong throwing arm from center.
- Varun YadavManipurPitcher
Right-handed windmill pitcher with a mid-60s mph rise ball and tight drop.
- Vihaan ParmarHaryanaPitcher
Left-handed circle-change specialist who anchors the rotation in National League play.
- Vikas SubramanianMeghalayaUtility
Versatile utility softballer who fills any gap and contributes situational hitting.
- Vishal KamathMeghalayaOutfielder
Corner outfielder with prototype power and patience at the plate.
- Vishal SuriHaryanaCatcher
Defensive backbone behind the plate; among the state leaders in caught-stealing percentage.
- Yamini DeshpandePunjabSecond Base
Contact-first second baseman with a high on-base percentage at the top of the order.
- Yamini SethiJammu & KashmirCatcher
Game-calling catcher with a strong arm and clutch hitting in late innings.
- Yash VermaOdishaShortstop
Switch-hitting shortstop with elite glove work and consistent slap-hitting.
- Yogesh RathodJharkhandCatcher
Defensive backbone behind the plate; among the state leaders in caught-stealing percentage.
- Zaid ChopraTamil NaduOutfielder
Corner outfielder with prototype power and patience at the plate.
- Zara MukherjeeKarnatakaOutfielder
Speed-first outfielder with gap-to-gap power and a strong throwing arm from center.
Rules
Two opposing sides contest a fixed-duration match on a marked field or court, with officials enforcing possession, out-of-play, foul and scoring rules published by the international federation. Teams field a set number of players plus substitutes, age and gender categories are strictly separated, and match officials use video review at the top level. India follows the international rulebook adopted by the national federation, with domestic tweaks for age-group and school competition durations.
Authoritative rulebook: SAI Softball. Age-group and school-level variations are published by SGFI and the state associations each season.
Positions
Key roles, events or positions inside a softball squad or competition.
- Attackers / forwardsPrimary scorers who operate closest to the opposition goal or scoring zone.
- Midfielders / all-roundersLink play between defence and attack; usually the highest work-rate positions.
- DefendersDeny the opposition space and possession in the defensive third.
- Goalkeeper / last lineSpecialist stopper with distinct kit and rules; the final line of defence.
- Captain & vice-captainOn-field leadership, decision-making and communication with match officials.
Equipment
Standard kit and infrastructure required to train and compete in softball at a federation-recognised event.
- Match ball or puck to the federation's specification
- Team playing kit, warm-up gear and studded/turf footwear
- Personal protective equipment where the sport requires it (shin guards, mouthguard, helmet, pads)
- Training equipment: cones, agility ladders, GPS vests, video analysis rig
- Field or court markings, goals/nets and match-officials' equipment
Governing body
SAI Softball is the recognised national body for Softball in India. It sets the domestic calendar, selection norms, coaching curriculum and anti-doping compliance, and is affiliated to the international federation for softball. State associations under SAI Softball run age-group competition and feed the national talent pipeline.
- Origin
- 19th century USA
- Olympic
- Yes
- Category
- Team
Major Indian Events
Domestic championships, Khelo India events, National Games and franchise leagues that shape the softball calendar in India.
- SAI Softball Senior National Championship
The primary domestic softball title and the main selection trial for the senior India team.
- SAI Softball Junior & Sub-Junior National Championship
Age-group nationals that feed the Khelo India Talent Development scheme and the senior camp.
- Khelo India Youth Games & University Games — Softball
India's largest multi-sport scouting platform; medallists become eligible for KIA stipends and boarding at accredited centres.
- National Games of India — Softball
Quadrennial multi-sport meet contested by state teams; state governments give cash awards, jobs and land grants to medallists.
International Events
Continental and world-level competitions where India competes in softball.
- Olympic Games
Softball is on the Olympic programme; qualification runs through SAI Softball and the international federation's ranking events.
- Asian Games & Asian Championships
Continental championship pathway sanctioned by SAI Softball; medallists receive central and state cash awards.
- Commonwealth Games / Championships
Commonwealth-level competition where India regularly fields medal contenders in softball.
- World Championships
The senior world title event of the international federation — the peak of the softball calendar outside the Olympic year.
Leagues
No dedicated professional league is currently catalogued for softball. The national championship under SAI Softball remains the top domestic competition.
All leagues →International Players
Globally recognised softball athletes to know outside India.
- Lionel Messi (Argentina)8-time Ballon d'Or; 2022 World Cup winner.
- Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal)5-time Ballon d'Or; Euro 2016 champion.
- Kylian Mbappé (France)2018 World Cup winner; multiple Ligue 1 top scorer.
- Erling Haaland (Norway)Manchester City forward; Premier League Golden Boot.
- Manuel Neuer (Germany)2014 World Cup-winning goalkeeper; Bayern Munich legend.
Records
Where to find India's official softball record book.
- Olympic medalsTracked
Individual and team Olympic medals for India in softball are logged on the official IOC and IOA archives.
- Asian Games medalsTracked
India's Asian Games results in softball are compiled by the Indian Olympic Association and the SAI Softball.
- Commonwealth medalsTracked
Commonwealth Games and Commonwealth Championship medals in softball are maintained by the SAI Softball.
- World Championship medalsTracked
Senior, junior and youth World Championship medal records are held by the international federation for softball and mirrored by SAI Softball.
- National record holdersFederation register
SAI Softball publishes the current senior, junior and sub-junior national records and updates them after every ratified event.
Career Options
Ways to build a career in softball — on the field, on the sidelines and behind the scenes.
- Professional player in a domestic franchise league, state team or overseas club
- Coach at grassroots, state, national or franchise level (federation-certified)
- Match official — referee, umpire, video review, technical delegate
- Sports science support — strength & conditioning, physiotherapy, nutrition, video analyst
- Sports management, broadcast, journalism, commentary and creator careers
- Government-quota jobs in Railways, defence, police, PSUs and state services for state and national representatives
Related academies
0 listedNo softball academies are catalogued in the directory yet. Browse the full academy list or list your academy to appear here.
Government Schemes
…Central and state schemes that fund training, stipends and awards for softball athletes and academies.
Loading schemes…
All government schemes →FAQs
Common questions about softball in India.
Who governs Softball in India?▾
SAI Softball is the recognised national federation for Softball in India. State associations under SAI Softball run age-group and state-level competition and feed the national talent pipeline.
Is Softball an Olympic sport?▾
Yes, Softball is on the Olympic programme. Selection for India runs through SAI Softball and the international federation's ranking events, and top athletes are typically funded through TOPS.
How do I start playing Softball in India?▾
Join a school team under SGFI, a college team under AIU, or a private academy affiliated to your state association. From there, age-group state championships and Khelo India events are the standard route into the national pipeline.
What government schemes support Softball athletes?▾
The core schemes are Khelo India (talent development stipends, scholarships and boarding at accredited centres), TOPS (funding for elite athletes preparing for the Olympics, Asian Games and Commonwealth Games), and state-government cash awards, jobs and land grants for medallists. Federation-specific schemes may also apply.
Where can I train for Softball?▾
Sports Authority of India (SAI) national centres of excellence, Khelo India accredited academies, state sports institutes and private academies registered with the state association are the standard training venues. The Academies section on this page lists options.
How are Indian Softball athletes selected for international events?▾
SAI Softball runs selection trials — typically the senior national championship, a dedicated trial event, or ranking-based selection — and publishes the selection policy each season. Objective criteria (times, distances, ranking points, weight-class results) dominate at the elite level.
Softball in every state & UT
Dedicated pages for Softball in each Indian state and Union Territory — academies, schemes, athletes and how to start.
- Softball in Andhra Pradesh
- Softball in Arunachal Pradesh
- Softball in Assam
- Softball in Bihar
- Softball in Chhattisgarh
- Softball in Goa
- Softball in Gujarat
- Softball in Haryana
- Softball in Himachal Pradesh
- Softball in Jharkhand
- Softball in Karnataka
- Softball in Kerala
- Softball in Madhya Pradesh
- Softball in Maharashtra
- Softball in Manipur
- Softball in Meghalaya
- Softball in Mizoram
- Softball in Nagaland
- Softball in Odisha
- Softball in Punjab
- Softball in Rajasthan
- Softball in Sikkim
- Softball in Tamil Nadu
- Softball in Telangana
- Softball in Tripura
- Softball in Uttar Pradesh
- Softball in Uttarakhand
- Softball in West Bengal
- Softball in Andaman & Nicobar Islands
- Softball in Chandigarh
- Softball in Dadra & Nagar Haveli and Daman & Diu
- Softball in Delhi
- Softball in Jammu & Kashmir
- Softball in Ladakh
- Softball in Lakshadweep
- Softball in Puducherry