The Esports Federation of India (ESFI) on Wednesday welcomed the sports ministry’s decision to include e-sports medallists and their coaches under its cash incentive program. The move is expected to drive an exponential rise in grassroots participation, further solidifying India’s growing presence in global e-sports.
E-Sports Now Aligned with Traditional Sports
The Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports has officially recognized 51 sports disciplines for cash rewards, covering Olympic Games, Asian Games, Commonwealth Games, and World University Games. Notably, the list features mallakhamb, kho kho, and e-sports, giving digital athletes equal status alongside traditional sports counterparts.
This decision marks a historic moment for Indian e-sports, opening the doors for thousands of gamers to represent the country internationally. In a statement, the Esports Federation of India (ESFI) emphasized that this move will enhance the reputation and legitimacy of competitive gaming in India.
Industry Experts Laud the Initiative
Lokesh Suji, Director of ESFI and VP of the Asian Esports Federation, praised the initiative, calling it a defining step in India’s e-sports journey.
“This is a landmark moment for Indian e-sports. The government’s recognition of e-sports medalists and their coaches with financial incentives is a defining step for our sport,” said Suji.
“India is already a force to reckon with in e-sports, and this initiative will inspire more young talents to compete on the international stage. We foresee an exponential rise in grassroots participation and the development of India’s e-sports ecosystem.”
Boost to E-Sports Coaching and Professional Training
The inclusion of coaches in the incentive program is seen as a major breakthrough. Unlike traditional sports, India has lacked a structured coaching framework for e-sports, limiting the professional development of technical staff and trainers. With this scheme, the government aims to establish a formal training infrastructure, further professionalizing the sector.
The ESFI believes that this step will:
- Encourage the development of professional e-sports coaching programs.
- Attract more skilled coaches and mentors to train young e-sports athletes.
- Provide financial stability for coaches, allowing them to focus on long-term player development.
- Create better team structures and support staff for international tournaments.
India’s Rising Influence in Global E-Sports
Indian gamers have already made a mark on the international e-sports scene. Several players have brought home prestigious titles, showcasing India’s growing prominence in digital sports. Some of the notable e-sports athletes include:
- Wasfi Bilal
- Pavan Kampelli
- Tirth Mehta
- DOTA2 Team India
Their successes have placed India on the global e-sports map, and with government recognition, the sector is poised for rapid expansion.
What This Means for the Future of Indian E-Sports
With financial incentives now available, the next generation of Indian gamers will have greater motivation and resources to pursue e-sports professionally. Key anticipated outcomes include:
- Increased investment in Indian e-sports infrastructure.
- More opportunities for young gamers to compete on the global stage.
- Greater mainstream acceptance of e-sports as a legitimate career path.
- Higher sponsorship and endorsement deals for Indian e-sports athletes.
- Enhanced regulatory frameworks to promote fair play and professional conduct.
A New Era for Competitive Gaming in India
With official recognition from the government, Indian e-sports now stands on par with conventional sports disciplines. The ESFI, along with key stakeholders in the gaming industry, anticipates that this initiative will lead to long-term sustainable growth, paving the way for India to become a dominant force in global e-sports.
The development also sets a precedent for future policy changes, potentially leading to better sponsorships, training facilities, and structured leagues. Indian gaming enthusiasts, industry professionals, and budding e-sports athletes now have a clearer roadmap to turn their passion into a profession.
The Indian government’s decision to extend cash incentives to e-sports medalists and their coaches represents a major milestone in the country’s gaming ecosystem. With growing grassroots participation, enhanced coaching structures, and increasing global representation, India is well on its way to becoming a dominant player in the e-sports world.The ESFI has expressed confidence that this recognition will spur further growth, attract international investments, and transform India’s e-sports industry into a powerhouse of competitive gaming. With continued support and structured initiatives, the future of Indian e-sports looks brighter than ever.
