Esports Poised For Olympic Inclusion: Indian Community Reacts As IOC Proposes Creation Of 'Olympic Esports Games'

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The Executive Board of the International Olympic Committee (IOC has proposed the creation of the 'Olympic Esports Games.' This proposal will be discussed at the 142nd IOC Session during the Paris Olympics, marking a crucial moment for esports globally.

Following successful ventures like the Olympic Virtual Series in 2021 and the Olympic Esports Week in Singapore in June 2023, the IOC aims to integrate esports under the Olympic rings.

The Singapore event saw over 130 players in 10 mixed-gender categories, attracting over 500,000 unique participants and six million live-action views, resonating especially with viewers aged 13 to 34.

Impact on India's Esports Scene

India's esports industry stands to benefit significantly from this proposal. Indian athletes have already shown their prowess in international tournaments, including a bronze medal at the Commonwealth Esports Championships 2022 and Tirth Mehta's bronze at the Asian Games 2022.

Akshat Rathee, Co-Founder and Managing Director of NODWIN Gaming, commented, "This development fortifies the dawn of esports as a mainstream sport in multi-sport events." He added that empowering International Federations to engage with youth will align esports with the Olympic charter.

At the Asian Games 2022 in Hangzhou, India competed in five different titles, marking esports' debut as an official medal sport. Future events like AIMAG 2025 and the Aichi Nagoya Asian Games 2026 are expected to further boost recognition and support for Indian esports.

Endorsement and Growth

Rathee emphasized that the 'Olympic Esports Games' is an endorsement by the prestigious global sports body, recognizing esports' value. He expects new partnerships with brands, publishers, and communities, and anticipates traditional esports titles will soon be included as a medal sport in the Olympics.

Esports has already gained mainstream recognition in India. Noteworthy tournaments like NODWIN Gaming's BGMI Masters Series (BGMS) are broadcast on sports networks, and even traditional sports figures and teams are getting involved. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has publicly supported its growth.

Support from Industry Leaders

Roby John, CEO and Co-Founder of SuperGaming, expressed his enthusiasm, "We're excited to see the IOC considering the inclusion of Esports in the Olympics. This is a major step in recognizing Esports as a legitimate performance sport."

He added that integrating Esports into the Olympics acknowledges the dedication and skill of this growing field. This move validates the hard work of governing bodies, stakeholders, game developers, and gamers, celebrating their efforts.

Future Prospects

The potential inclusion of esports as an Olympic sport is expected to attract more audiences, position esports alongside traditional sports, and open new partnership opportunities within India's esports ecosystem.