In a landmark move for the Indian gaming community, esports will be featured for the first time as a demonstration sport at the upcoming Khelo India Youth Games 2025, scheduled to be held in Patna and New Delhi from May 4 to 15. This announcement marks a significant step toward the integration of digital sports within the country’s traditional sporting framework.
The Khelo India Youth Games, known for spotlighting emerging sports talent across the nation, will feature 28 disciplines this year, with 27 being competitive. The inclusion of esports was confirmed by Union Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya during a special media interaction.
While the specific titles to be included in the esports showcase have not yet been revealed, the very presence of esports at the Games is being widely celebrated by the Indian gaming and tech community.
Animesh Agarwal, co-founder of S8UL Esports, one of India’s leading gaming organizations, welcomed the move:
“This recognition not only further legitimizes esports as a new-age sport but also places our athletes alongside traditional sports disciplines, giving them the respect and platform they deserve.”
He further emphasized that having esports recognized under the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports (MYAS) was a long-standing demand:
“This is a significant step in the right direction. It will inspire more young gamers to dream big.”
The Khelo India announcement is the latest in a series of milestones for esports in India:
- 2018: Esports was introduced as a demonstration sport at the Asian Games.
- 2022: Esports became an official medal sport at the Asian Games in Hangzhou.
- 2026: The upcoming Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya will feature 11 esports titles, up from 7.
- 2027: The inaugural Esports Olympic Games is scheduled, further legitimizing the global rise of competitive gaming.
India’s growing esports ecosystem has seen explosive growth in recent years, with rising viewership, corporate investments, and global representation.
The demonstration at the Khelo India Youth Games will provide aspiring Indian gamers with a national-level stage and possibly pave the way for esports becoming a competitive medal event in future editions. It also reflects the government’s evolving outlook on the digital economy, youth culture, and tech-savvy sports.
This inclusion may open doors for institutional support, grassroots talent development, and future school- and college-level esports tournaments under the government’s umbrella.
Esports entering the Khelo India Youth Games is more than just a symbolic gesture—it’s a declaration that gaming is now part of India’s sporting future. As we await the announcement of the titles, the country’s top esports organizations and athletes are preparing to showcase their skills on yet another prestigious platform.
🎮 Game on, India! 🇮🇳
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