Union Minister of State for Youth Affairs & Sports, Raksha Nikhil Khadse, emphasized the Central Government’s commitment to elevating esports into a mainstream sports discipline.
Speaking at the Esports Conclave 2025 in Delhi on Tuesday, organized by the Physical Education Foundation of India (PEFI) and supported by Krafton and Invest India, the Minister highlighted the event’s role in discussing the future of esports and its global impact.
“Esports was a medal sport at the last Asian Games in Hangzhou, and it will be a medal sport at Nagoya, the next Games in 2026,” she stated.
The Minister also highlighted the rapid rise of esports in India.
“As of 2022, the number of esports players in India was recorded at around 600 thousand. This was a leap by 300 percent from the previous year. Continuing on this path of growth, the figure is further expected to exceed one million players over the next five years,” she said.
She commended the collaborative efforts of various stakeholders in fostering esports talent and innovation, stressing the importance of government-private partnerships to unlock the full potential of the industry.
Hailing the Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports’ recent decision to include esports medal winners in cash incentive schemes, she called it a landmark move that reaffirms the government’s support in nurturing esports in India.
The conclave was attended by top industry leaders, including Sean Hyunil Sohn (CEO, Krafton India), Amulya Sah (Senior Vice President, Invest India), Anandeshwar Panday (General Secretary, Uttar Pradesh Olympic Association), Piyush Jain (National Secretary, PEFI), along with officials and esports enthusiasts.
As esports continues its meteoric rise, such initiatives are crucial in shaping India’s role as a global esports powerhouse.
Admin