Image credits - Spiel Times
Esports, or electronic sports, refers to competitive video gaming at a professional level. In recent years, esports has gained significant popularity worldwide, and India is no exception. The Indian government has taken notice of the growing esports industry in the country and has made efforts to support and regulate it.
In 2019, the Indian government recognized esports as a sport and included it in the list of disciplines eligible for government support. This recognition was a major milestone for the esports industry in India and opened up opportunities for players to receive financial support from the government for training and participating in international competitions.
The Indian government has also established an Esports Federation of India (ESFI) to oversee the development and regulation of esports in the country. The ESFI works closely with the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports to promote esports and ensure that it is conducted fairly and transparently.
In addition to supporting the growth of esports in India, the government has also taken steps to address some of the challenges faced by the industry. One of the major challenges facing the esports industry in India is a lack of infrastructure, with many players having to rely on private gaming cafes or internet cafes to play. To address this issue, the government has announced plans to build dedicated esports centers in various parts of the country.
Another challenge facing the esports industry in India is the lack of a standardized system for ranking players and teams. The ESFI is working on creating a ranking system that will be recognized by the government and will allow players to be ranked based on their performance in various tournaments.
Overall, it is clear that the Indian government recognizes the potential of esports and is taking steps to support and regulate the industry. With the right support and infrastructure, the esports industry in India has the potential to grow significantly in the coming years.