India's E-sports industry set for boost with national recognition

by shalini jha |
Indias E-sports industry set for boost with national recognition
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New Delhi (The Uttam Hindu) : E-sports is set to be officially recognized as a national sport with the release of draft rules this month. This draft could change the landscape of Indian e-gaming forever.

Esports will now be specifically regulated under the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, bringing them under the "The Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Rules 2025." This arrangement will provide esports with a clear identity, breaking the confusion and regulatory chaos associated with gambling. Additionally, an Online Gaming Authority will register esports titles. This authority will ensure compliance with regulations and address complaints. Essentially, esports now has the same administrative structure as cricket or hockey.

E-sports will now be recognized as a skill-based, competitive activity, distinct from fantasy or chance-based games. This means that gambling-related titles will be excluded. Recognized e-sports titles will receive government patronage, funding opportunities, and the right to be held as official sporting events. Registration of e-sports events and titles will be mandatory to ensure official recognition, government support, and media rights protection. E-sports has been clearly distinguished from gambling. The rules clearly state that games involving betting will not be considered e-sports under the National Sports Governance Act, 2025. The draft rules will soon be notified in the Gazette of India. Once this happens, e-sports will transform from a marginalized industry to a fully government-supported sport. While this journey may not be completed immediately, the direction is now clear.

Until now, esports in India had flourished in a gray area. Prize pools were rising, teams were forming, and brands were sponsoring, but there was no formal recognition. Players were not considered "athletes," and tournaments were not protected under sports law. Now, this situation will change completely.

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