"Building Champions, One Coach at a Time."
New York, NY, United States (May 13, 2025) – Diamond Dreams Academy (DDA), a USA based Non-Profit corporation focused on professional baseball development in India, broke ground on India's first-ever Major League Baseball-standard field in a historic event held in Gwalior. This groundbreaking ceremony marked the official beginning of construction of a stadium that aspires to redefine the landscape of Indian sports.
This milestone project, being built in partnership with IPS Group of Colleges, sets the foundation for hosting world-class baseball events in India. With the layout and dimensions mirroring the iconic New York Mets Stadium "Citi Field" — 335 ft to left field, 408 ft to centre, and 330 ft to right field — this ballpark meets full MLB specifications and will serve as a beacon for the future of Indian professional baseball. With over 500,000 square feet of space and ample parking, the venue will be equipped to serve as a year-round destination specializing in hosting world-class events both inside and outside the ballpark. IPS College already boasts a world class sporting facility encompassing a multi-Gym facility with a Strength Training Zone, a well-equipped Machine zone as well as a fully staffed physiotherapy rehab centre.
The Ballpark Project
In partnership with IPS Group of Colleges, DDA is constructing a world-class ballpark that mirrors the dimensions of New York Mets Stadium "Citi Field" - 335 ft to left, 408 ft to center, and 330 ft to right. The facility meets full MLB specifications and encompasses 500,000 sq ft of space with ample parking facilities.
The IPS College campus already boasts impressive sports infrastructure including a multi-Gym, Strength Training Zone, Machine zone, and physiotherapy rehab center, making it the perfect location for this groundbreaking project.
Diamond Dreams Academy (DDA) continues its mission to elevate baseball in India by addressing the challenges faced by Indian baseball athletes and coaches. Diamond Dreams Academy (DDA) is proud to announce its latest initiative aimed at revolutionizing baseball in India. Through its comprehensive training programs and certification initiatives, DDA is bridging the gap between grassroots participation and professional-level play.
India's baseball scene has long grappled with limited access to quality coaching, inadequate infrastructure, and a lack of exposure to international standards. DDA addresses these challenges head-on by focusing on coach development as a catalyst for long-term growth. DDA introduces a comprehensive certification program designed to empower Indian coaches with world-class training methodologies.
DDA's Mission and Vision
DDA's primary goal is to elevate baseball in India by addressing the fundamental challenges that have hindered the sport's growth: coaching quality, infrastructure development, and international exposure. Through comprehensive training and certification programs, DDA aims to create a robust baseball ecosystem that nurtures talent from grassroots to professional levels.
"Our goal is to cultivate a robust baseball ecosystem in India," said Kanwal Sra, Founder, Chairman, and CEO of DDA. "By investing in coach development, we're laying the foundation for sustainable growth and providing athletes with the mentorship they need to excel."
- Kanwal Sra, Founder, Chairman, and CEO of DDA
Comprehensive Certification Program
The DDA certification program offers Indian coaches access to advanced training techniques, resources, and international exposure. This initiative not only enhances the quality of coaching within the country but also opens doors for Indian coaches to train globally, fostering cross-cultural exchanges and elevating the standard of baseball coaching in India.
"Through our certification program, we're not just training coaches; we're building ambassadors for the sport," said Deepesh Solanki, Head of Baseball Operations in India. "These coaches will play a pivotal role in nurturing talent and promoting baseball across the world. From the silver screen to India's fields of dreams, my journey with Million Dollar Arm taught me that talent knows no boundaries. At DDA, we transform potential into purpose, equipping every player with elite training and unwavering belief to make Indian baseball a global triumph"
- Deepesh Solanki, Head of Baseball Operations in India
Thanks to the partnership and commitment of its partners in India, DDA now has the infrastructure to develop elite baseball athletes and grow a sustainable sporting culture from grassroots to pro.
The Historic Groundbreaking Ceremony
The May 5 event began with a traditional puja ceremony, coconut-breaking ritual, and breaking of the ground, symbolizing the start of construction. This was followed by the inaugural 1st pitch on the ground by Shri Bharat Singh Kushwah, Member of Indian Parliament, making this field the first MLB-standard ballpark in Asia to host a ceremonial first pitch.
Mr Kanwal Sra, CEO DDA breaks Ground on May 5th for India's Ist Professional Baseball Ballpark
Shri Bharat Singh Kushwah, Hon'ble Member of Parliament throws the ceremonial Ist pitch
Shri Anoop Mishra, Hon'ble Former Cabinet Minister and Member of Parliament breaks Ground on May 5th for India's Ist Professional Baseball Ballpark
Team DDA with DDA leadership and elite guests at DDA's BallPark Ground Breaking Ceremony
"Indian Baseball has a home now. We are building a field of dreams."
- Kanwal Sra
The ballpark will feature a 7,000-seating capacity, making it one of the largest baseball facilities in Asia.
"Building Tomorrow's Baseball Champions, One Dream at a time."
- Kanwal Sra
Support from Distinguished Leaders
The project has received overwhelming support from prominent political and sports leaders across India:
- Shri Anoop Mishra - Former Cabinet Minister and Member of Parliament
- Shri Bharat Singh Kushwah - Member of Indian Parliament
- Deepesh Solanki - Head of Baseball Operations, DDA
- Shri Arvind Saxena - Inspector General of Police
- Dr. Arun Kumar Tyagi - Director of IPS College
Design Excellence and Future Vision
The ballpark design follows NCAA guidelines and is designed to rival top U.S. university fields. The facility will serve as a training ground for future Indian baseball stars and host international competitions, further elevating India's position in the global baseball community.
Virtual attendees at the groundbreaking ceremony included Melissa Seigler, Stan Exeter, and Kapil Rathi, representing DDA's international network and commitment to global baseball development.
Vision for Olympic Gold
This ballpark represents more than just infrastructure development - it's a stepping stone toward DDA's ultimate vision of winning Olympic gold for India in baseball. The facility will be part of a comprehensive national expansion plan that includes multiple training centers across India, ensuring that no talented player is left behind due to geographical constraints.
About Diamond Dreams Academy
Diamond Dreams Academy is a Not-for-Profit organization dedicated to developing baseball talent in India through world-class training, infrastructure development, and international partnerships. Our mission is to create opportunities for Indian youth to excel in baseball and represent their country on the global stage.
Media Contact
Oindrila Das, VP of DDA
Email: od@ddabaseball.us
Phone: +91 76961 03377 (India), +1 631-343-3377 (USA)
