To gain a better understanding of the preparations and planning of non-Olympic sports federations participating in the upcoming Asian Games, Indian Olympic Association (IOA) President, Dr Narinder Dhruv Batra, called on and met with officials from nine sports federations, including the Esports Federation of India (ESFI), at the Olympic Bhawan, here on Monday, February 14, 2022.
The Olympic Council of Asia recognises the Asian Electronic Sports Federation (AESF) as the entire regulating organisation for Esports on the Asian continent. It is also in charge of Esports technical conduct at the 2022 Asian Games.
ESFI, a recognised Asian body in India, has been sending esports teams to Asian Indoor & Martial Arts Games since 2007, and in the most recent Asian Games (2018), India received a Bronze Medal in the esports title HearthStone since Esports was a showcase event. Esports will make its debut as a medal event at the Asian Games, which will be hosted in Hangzhou, China,
Mr Bhupender Singh Bajwa, Chef de Mission, co-chaired the meeting, and thorough talks were made regarding training camps and different expenses that are necessary. During the meeting, the IOA emphasised the need for a fair and open selection process for players and athletes. The deadline for submitting Indian Team submissions by name is April 15, 2022.
The International Esports Federation (IESF) and the Global Esports Federation (GEF) have also recognised ESFI, which is in charge of organising the trial events for the Inaugural Commonwealth Esports Championship at this year’s Commonwealth Games, which will be held in Birmingham from July 28 to August 8, 2022.
Mr Lokesh Suji, director of the Esports Federation of India and Vice President of the Asian Esports Federation (AESF), Mr Yugal Sharma, Director of the Esports Federation of India; and Mr Prabhat Kumar, Treasurer of the Esports Federation of India, attended the meeting on behalf of ESFI. The ESFI team awarded the IOA President, Dr Narinder Dhruv Batra, and Chef de Mission, Mr Bhupender Singh Bajwa, with the “Road to Asian Games” Jersey.
Medals will be given in eight categories of Esports at the 2022 Asian Games, including EA SPORTS FIFA branded soccer games, an Asian Games version of PUBG Mobile and Arena of Valor, Dota 2, League of Legends, Dream Three Kingdoms 2, Hearthstone, and Street Fighter V.
ESFI reminds potential qualifying gamers/players to prepare their passports and be immunised entirely. Other non-Olympic sports federations present at the convention were Bridge, Chess, Ju-Jitshu, Kurash, Sepaktakraw, Sports Climbing, Soft Tennis, and Softball.
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