Esports to Debut as Demonstration Sport at Khelo India Youth Games 2025, Industry Celebrates Milestone Moment

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In a historic move for Indian esports, Union Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya announced on Friday (April 4) that Esports will debut as a demonstration sport at the Khelo India Youth Games (KIYG) 2025, scheduled to be held in Bihar from May 4 to 15.

The announcement came during a high-level meeting chaired by the minister and was welcomed by the entire Esports and gaming industry, marking a pivotal moment in the mainstreaming of digital sports in India. All You Need To Know About Khelo India Youth Games 2025

Each edition of the Khelo India Youth Games serves as a launchpad for India's future Olympians by offering exposure to multisport events and robust talent identification.

The inclusion of esports reflects a growing acknowledgment of its status as a legitimate, competitive discipline, especially following its second consecutive appearance as an official medal event at the upcoming Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games 2026. With the Olympic Esports Games also on the horizon in 2027, this decision marks another firm step toward integrating Esports into the country's national sports framework.

Leaders across India's Esports ecosystem hailed the move

Animesh Agarwal, Co-Founder and CEO of S8UL, stated, "Esports making its way to the Khelo India Youth Games 2025 is a landmark moment for the Indian ecosystem. This recognition not only further legitimizes as a new-age sport but also places our athletes alongside traditional sports disciplines, giving them the respect and platform they deserve."

Agarwal further added, "More importantly, it lays the foundation for a structured grassroots infrastructure, where parents can see a clear pathway for their kids to pursue professionally. Having under the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports (MYAS) is something we have long advocated for, and this is a significant step in the right direction."

Vishal Parekh, Chief Operating Officer of CyberPowerPC India, emphasized the importance of infrastructure and support, saying, "The inclusion of as a demonstration sport at the Khelo India Youth Games 2025 is a significant milestone for the Indian video gaming ecosystem. It not only legitimises within the national sporting framework but also provides young gamers with an opportunity to compete on a structured platform and experience the pressures of high-stakes tournaments, crucial learning for future competitions like the Asian Games and even the Olympics.

"To truly compete at their best, players need high-performance hardware that matches their skills, and at CyberPowerPC India, we are committed to equipping them with cutting-edge gaming PCs and experience zones with modern gear that fuel their competitive gameplay."

Siddharth Nayyar, CEO of Max Level, called it a defining moment, adding, "The inclusion of in the Khelo India Youth Games 2025 is a defining moment for the industry, bringing much-needed legitimacy to competitive gaming as a mainstream sport. This move will not only provide young talent with a structured pathway but also encourage parents to view as a viable career option.

"Playing alongside traditional athletes fosters recognition, respect, and a competitive mindset which are essential elements for India's future champions. With now aligning with national sports initiatives, we are one step closer to building a thriving ecosystem that nurtures talent from the grassroots level," Nayyar added further.