How Indian migrant and Winsher Sports owner Nitin Saby broke into the AFL manufacturing game

An Indian migrant came to Australia with a dream – today he has sold more than half a million AFL footballs. Here’s how he did it.

How Indian migrant and Winsher Sports owner Nitin Saby (pictured right) broke into the AFL manufacturing game. Picture: Supplied.

When Nitin Saby landed in Australia as an international student in 2005, breaking into the

nation’s most iconic sport was the last thing on his mind.

Fast-forward two decades, and the Vermont businessman and wife Sonam have become the first Indian-Australians to shake up the competitive sports equipment industry selling more than half a million AFL footballs in less than three years nationwide.

Mr Saby — who also works as an associate director in the ATO’s law department — spotted a gap in the footy market for high-quality and affordable footballs.

While elite AFL clubs had premium footballs at their disposal, local clubs, schools, and community leagues were struggling to find affordable options post-Covid.

“I was being told clubs were struggling and many were being forced to use old footballs … that’s when I started speaking with different clubs and asking questions,” he said.

The balls are now used by many community clubs. Picture: Supplied.

After asking “what is missing” the Winsher Sports owner was told there was a need for alternative, budget-friendly footy options.

“We are the first Indian-Australians to show the courage to enter into the AFL manufacturing industry,” he said.

“When I told some people this is what I want to do, some scared me saying ‘AFL is pure Aussie and I won’t ever get into it’, but in the end we were able to influence them and say well, we are also Aussie.

“It’s about time to have diversity, inclusion, and equity.”

Co-owner Sonam Saby photographed with her children who too love footy. Picture: Supplied.

A proud Hawks supporter, Mr Saby believes his Indian heritage has played a key role in his success.

“As an Indian, we are very courageous — we always like to take on new challenges and don’t give up,” he said.

“Living in Melbourne — which is the quite the home of football — I developed an interest in AFL. I mean how could you not when from nine of the 12 months we talk about footy.”

After months of research and development to get the right size and specification aligning with AFL guidelines, the 41-year-old leveraged his family business in India to start production.

“We are supporting the labour market, not only in Australia, but also in India,” he said.

“We buy Australian premium leather from here, we send it back to India (to make the footballs), and then we bring it back here.”

Mr Saby’s company has provided footy equipment to more than 200 clubs and to community programs of AFL clubs such as Collingwood FC and Western Bulldogs.

And it’s not all about business, with his two kids — aged seven and 10 — being very into AFL themselves.

“Victoria is the place to be. It’s where people appreciate and value the diversity and inclusion. They appreciate the people coming from different places, race, religion, and we value and respect their different thinking,” he said.

“We would not be able to succeed in the AFL industry if Victorians were not supportive of our brand given we are the first Indian migrants in the sector.

“Clearly Victorians have a big heart and they want to support the migrants and sport.”

Originally published as How Indian migrant and Winsher Sports owner Nitin Saby broke into the AFL manufacturing game