Esports has been officially recognised as a sport by the Government of India. In December 2022, a Presidential Gazette Notification brought competitive gaming under the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, separating it from general gaming, which continues to fall under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY). This marked a historic milestone for India’s rapidly growing digital sports ecosystem.
• Esports: Involves structured, competitive video gaming featuring professional players, teams, coaches, tournaments, and defined rules—similar to traditional sports.
• Gaming: A broader category that includes casual play, game development, streaming, fantasy sports, and other entertainment or gambling-based formats.
The recognition of Esports as a sport has several transformative implications:
• Legitimises Esports as a mainstream and professional discipline.
• Enables government support in funding, infrastructure, and training.
• Makes Esports athletes eligible for awards and incentives similar to those offered to Olympic and Commonwealth medalists.
• Opens up diverse career opportunities in coaching, broadcasting, analysis, and event management.
Government officials, including Smt. Khadse, have highlighted the role of Esports in fostering mental discipline, teamwork, and digital readiness. She reaffirmed the government’s commitment to supporting Esports through improved infrastructure, professional training pathways, and institutional backing for India’s youth.
• Esports was featured as a demonstration sport at the 2018 Asian Games, where Indian gamer Tirth Mehta secured a bronze medal in HearthStone.
• It made its official medal debut at the 2022 Asian Games in Hangzhou.
• India is also preparing to participate in the Olympic Esports Games 2027 in Saudi Arabia.
Esports participation in India has seen exponential growth. Millions of young Indians are now engaged as players, streamers, coaches, or viewers. This surge reflects a broader cultural shift towards digital entertainment and the recognition of Esports as a viable career option within India’s youth demographic.
The BMPS 2025 Grand Finals marks a major milestone in India’s Esports evolution:
• It showcases homegrown talent on a professional stage.
• Encourages collaboration across industry stakeholders.
• Provides a global platform for Indian gamers to engage fans and promote competitive gaming culture.
Despite rapid growth, several challenges persist:
• Infrastructure: India needs training academies, coaching frameworks, and performance analytics systems.
• Investment: Greater financial support is required for teams, tournament organisers, and Esports platforms.
• Recognition: Public perception must continue evolving—from seeing gaming as leisure to recognising Esports as a legitimate profession.
Oversight of Esports in India is now shared between two ministries:
• Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports: Oversees athlete recognition, training, and incentive programmes.
• Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY): Handles content regulation, digital industry standards, and technological development.
This coordination ensures that Esports grows in alignment with both sports policy and digital governance frameworks, positioning India as a global hub for competitive gaming.
Esports in India has moved beyond a niche pastime to a recognised sport with massive potential. With government backing, private investment, and youth engagement, India stands at the threshold of becoming one of the leading Esports nations in the world.
Kutos : AI Assistant!
