Efforts are being undertaken to include esport into mainstream sports, says Union Sports Minister Raksha

Speaking at the Esports Conclave 2025 organized by the Physical Education Foundation of India (PEFI) and supported by Krafton and Invest India in Delhi on Tuesday, the Union Minister said the conclave was being held to discuss the potential and future of Esports and its role in global leadership

Hyderabad: Union Minister of State for Youth Affairs & Sports Mrs. Raksha Nikhil Khadse underlined the Central Government’s dedication to turning esport into the mainstream sports discipline.

Speaking at the Esports Conclave 2025 organized by the Physical Education Foundation of India (PEFI) and supported by Krafton and Invest India in Delhi on Tuesday, the Union Minister said the conclave was being held to discuss the potential and future of Esports and its role in global leadership.

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“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 said.

“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,” Mrs Nikhil Khadse said.

The Union Minister also lauded the efforts of all the stakeholders in creating an environment to promote esports talent and innovation.

She stressed the importance of collaboration between government and private sector to harness the full potential of esports in the country.

Hailing the recent decision of the Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports to include medal winners in esports eligible for cash incentives as a landmark move, the Minister reaffirmed the government’s support in nurturing and growth of esports in India.

The conclave saw attendance of industry leaders, including Mr. Sean Hyunil Sohn, CEO, Krafton India and other eminent personalities including Sh. Amulya Sah, Senior Vice President, Invest India, Sh. Anandeshwar Panday, General Secretary, Uttar Pradesh Olympic Association, Sh. Piyush Jain, National Secretary, PEFI along with officials and sports enthusiasts.