In a significant development for India's esports landscape, the Skillhub Online Games Federation (SOGF) is joining forces with the International Esports Federation (IESF) to host the International Esports Championships in India.
This initiative, supported by Dr Mansukh Mandaviya, the Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports, represents a pivotal moment for the nation, aiming to establish India as a prominent hub for online competitive gaming on the global stage.

Last week, a crucial meeting took place involving SOGF and IESF representatives, including IESF General Secretary Boban Totovski, who met with Dr. Mandaviya to deliberate on this groundbreaking partnership.
Their discussion focused on the prospects of elevating India's position in the international esports community, highlighting the government's role in nurturing a conducive environment for the industry's growth.
Dr. Mandaviya expressed enthusiastic support for the collaborative effort to introduce top-tier esports competitions to India, recognizing the importance of developing the esports ecosystem and offering Indian athletes global exposure. The Minister's endorsement underscores the government's dedication to cultivating a competitive and fair atmosphere for the burgeoning esports sector.
According to Shankar Aggarwal, President of SOGF, this collaboration between the government, SOGF, and IESF is set to revolutionize India's esports scene. The partnership aims to expand the reach of esports in India and facilitate the hosting of international competitions, fostering a thriving ecosystem and providing Indian athletes with platforms to shine on the global stage.
The SOGF, comprising a team of Olympians, former Supreme Court judges, civil servants, and industry veterans, boasts robust governance and widespread support through its 29 associate state bodies. The federation is committed to ensuring fair play, transparency, and the development of talent to represent India internationally, promoting the values of fairness, collaboration, and sustainable growth within the online gaming industry.
In its quest to elevate the status of online gaming and esports in India, SOGF has also aligned with the International Mind Sports Association (IMSA) and the Global Esports Federation (GEF), aiming to redefine the perception of gaming and esports in the country. This strategic alliance is geared towards championing esports and nurturing the skills necessary for India to gain prominence in the global esports arena.
"Supporting the growth and development of Esports communities around the world has always been one of the IESF's key missions. We're glad to see that SOGF shares the same values and is dedicated to working toward the same vision in India. We are very excited that our new pro-series, which we are organising, will kick off here, and we believe SOGF is a great partner for the project while unlocking opportunities for athletes, development and esports enthusiasts," said Boban Totovski, General Secretary of IESF.
This strategic partnership heralds a new era for Indian esports, opening doors to international opportunities, including the possibility of participating in the Olympic Esports Games. It signifies a concerted effort to position India as a leader in the international esports and online gaming landscape, nurturing talent and creating opportunities for players and enthusiasts alike.
The Skillhub Online Games Federation (SOGF) is a pivotal entity dedicated to fostering and promoting esports and skilled online gaming in India. Through collaborations with global organizations like IESF, IMSA, and GEF, SOGF is working tirelessly to establish a vibrant esports ecosystem, ultimately positioning India as a significant player in the global esports and skilled gaming community.