In a groundbreaking move, India has officially included esports in its cash reward program for athletes and coaches winning medals at major international tournaments. This decision by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports puts esports on par with traditional sports, further solidifying its status as a mainstream competitive discipline.
Indian esports athletes will now receive financial rewards when they secure a podium finish at:
- Olympic Games
- Asian Games
- Commonwealth Games
- World University Games
- Esports World Championship
This move is expected to boost esports participation across the country and motivate more players to represent India on the global stage.
The Esports Federation of India (ESFI) has hailed this decision as a landmark moment that will fuel the growth of India’s esports ecosystem.
“This is a defining step for our sport,” said Lokesh Suji, ESFI Director and Vice President of the Asian Esports Federation. “India is already a powerhouse in esports, and this initiative will inspire more young talent to compete internationally. We foresee exponential growth in grassroots participation and structured training.”
The recognition of coaches in the incentive program is another crucial development. Currently, India lacks a structured training ecosystem for esports, and this initiative will encourage professional coaching, talent scouting, and mentorship.
Esports athletes and coaches must apply for their cash incentives through the Department of Sports’ DBT-MIS portal within six months of their tournament’s conclusion.
Previously, ESFI secured ₹10 lakh each for Maharashtra-based esports athletes who competed at the 2023 Asian Games in Hangzhou, China.
Indian esports athletes have already brought home multiple international medals, including:
🏅 Teerth Mehta – Bronze in Hearthstone (2018 Asian Games)
🏅 India’s Dota 2 Team – Bronze (2022 Commonwealth Esports Championship)
🥈 Wasfi Bilal – Silver in Tekken 8 (2024 BRICS Esports Championship)
🥉 Pavan Kampelli – Bronze in eFootball (2024 Asian Esports Games)
With government-backed incentives, India’s esports future looks brighter than ever. The ESFI is now urging state governments to follow suit and introduce state-level cash rewards for esports medalists.
The global esports market is projected to surpass $5 billion by 2030, and India is positioning itself as a key player in this industry. With government recognition, financial incentives, and a growing talent pool, Indian esports is set for unprecedented expansion in the coming years.
Admin