-By Swapnil Mukherjee
Over the past few years, India has witnessed a surge in the popularity of esports, transforming it into a major force in the gaming industry. This digital revolution has not only captivated millions of gamers but also drawn the attention of the nation’s sporting community.
With the inclusion of esports as a demonstration sport in the 2018 Asian Games, India has found a platform to showcase its gaming prowess on an international stage. We explore this journey towards making a mark at the Asian Games.
India’s Participation in Asian Games
The Asian Games, organised every four years by the Asian Olympic Council, are a multi-sport event featuring athletes from across the continent. In recognition of the growing prominence of esports, the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) decided to include it as a demonstration sport in 2018 in Indonesia.
In 2018, esports featured six gaming titles, including popular ones like Arena of Valor, Clash Royale and Pro Evolution Soccer 2018. Though medals in these events were not counted in the official tally, the inclusion of esports marked a significant step towards legitimising it as a competitive discipline. The Indian contingent won a bronze medal.
After the 2018 Games, the Indian esports community saw tremendous growth. Esports organisations invested heavily in player development, infrastructure and training facilities. Additionally, the Indian government’s support and recognition provided further encouragement to gamers.
Road Ahead: India’s Potential in Esports
As esports continues to flourish in India, the nation has the potential to become a dominant force in the international arena. The large and enthusiastic gaming community, coupled with a vast talent pool, gives India a competitive edge. Additionally, the establishment of dedicated esports academies, leagues and tournaments has nurtured the next generation of esports stars.
India in Asian Games 2023
With the 2023 Asian Games slated to be held in Hangzhou, China, the gaming world eagerly anticipates India’s participation in esports. Given the exponential growth of esports in the country, it is highly likely that India will field a stronger contingent this time.
Esports Boom in India
Esports, short for electronic sports, refers to organised competitive video gaming involving professional players and teams competing against each other in various gaming titles. In India, the proliferation of affordable internet connectivity, the widespread adoption of smartphones, and the rise of gaming communities have contributed to the rapid growth of esports.
The popularity of titles like PUBG Mobile, Free Fire, Dota 2, and CS: GO has taken the Indian gaming community by storm, attracting a massive following of both casual players and die-hard fans. Esports tournaments and leagues have sprung up across the country, offering players the chance to compete, win prizes and even secure sponsorships from major companies.
The Competitive Landscape in India
The rise of esports in India has paved the way for a burgeoning professional scene. Several Indian esports organisations have emerged, nurturing local talents and creating formidable teams that can rival some of the best in the world. With the professionalisation of esports in the country, players can pursue gaming as a career, enjoying recognition and financial rewards.
Popular Esports Games in India
* Battlegrounds Mobile India (BGMI)
* Call of Duty: Mobile
* Dota 2
* League of Legends
* FIFA
* Counter-Strike: Global Offensive
* PUBG Mobile
* Valorant
* Free Fire
Major Esports Tournaments in India
* The National Esports Championship (NESC)
* The Indian Gaming League (IGL)
* The Esports Premier League (ESPL)
* The World Esports Cup (WEC)
* The India Gaming Championship (IGC)
Future of Esports in India
The future of esports in India is bright. The industry is expected to grow significantly in the coming years, and there is a large potential audience for esports. With the government’s support and the continued growth of the industry, esports could become a major sport in India in the future.
Esports in India has evolved from a niche hobby to a full-fledged sporting phenomenon, capturing the hearts of millions. The inclusion of esports in Asian Games has further enhanced its popularity and provided Indian gamers a platform to showcase their talent. As India’s esports community continues to develop, we can expect a bright future in the digital battlegrounds.