Indian govt recognises esports as part of multisports events
A new section 'matters relating to online gaming' has been added under MeitY
In what comes as a win for gaming in India, esports will now be a part of "multisports events" under the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports. MeitY has also added a section related to "matters relating to online gaming" after entry 5.
The move will lend a major fillip to the gaming industry, helping regularise it and build proper infrastructure for esport enthusiasts.
Lokesh Suji, Director of Esports Federation of India & Vice President of the Asian Esports Federation (AESF) welcomed the move: "We welcome this announcement by our government under the leadership of Hon'ble PM Modi ji, which will open new avenues to pour in more investment opportunities in this booming industry. From now onwards, we will have to build the proper infrastructure, training facilities and coaching for our young esports athletes. Only a short time until we see Esports being placed in the same league as cricket, football, basketball, etc. and having similar fan power, scale and craze.
"With the latest announcement and India recently competing for medals at the inaugural Esports Asian Games, people are shaking off the misconceptions linked with esports as a passion or career option. The year 2023 beholds greater opportunities for esports and we are anticipating more favourable developments, only making it bigger. It surely has been a great year for Indian esports."
The pandemic has fuelled the growth of esports in India. According to the FICCI-EY Media and Entertainment Report 2022, esport players in India have grown 600,000 strong in 2021. Revenue grew to Rs 9.7 billion in 2021.
