New Delhi: The Skillhub Online Games Federation (SOGF) is making a significant move to elevate India’s esports landscape by forging a strategic partnership with the International Esports Federation (IESF) to bring the prestigious International Esports Championships to India for the first time. This initiative, supported by the Hon’ble Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports, Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, aims to establish India as a global hub for online competitive gaming.
In a key meeting last week, SOGF representatives, including IESF General Secretary Boban Totovski, met with Dr. Mandaviya to discuss their collaborative efforts to develop world-class esports tournaments in India. The Sports Minister expressed strong backing for this initiative, highlighting the importance of enhancing the esports ecosystem and providing Indian athletes with international competitive opportunities. He also endorsed SOGF’s plans to regulate the esports and skill-based gaming sectors, reinforcing the government’s commitment to fostering a fair and competitive environment for growth.
Shankar Aggarwal, President of SOGF, stated, “We are incredibly grateful to the government and IESF for their swift action in making this collaboration possible. India’s potential in esports is enormous, and this partnership will transform the landscape, broadening the reach of esports in the country and allowing us to host top-tier international competitions. With government support and collaboration with organizations like IESF, we are committed to nurturing talent and ensuring that Indian athletes have the opportunity to excel on the global stage.”
SOGF is composed of a diverse group of members, including Olympians, former high-ranking officials, and industry veterans, ensuring robust governance and widespread support through its 29 associate state bodies. The federation is dedicated to promoting fair competition, transparency, and talent development, reinforcing its mission to represent India in the international gaming arena.
To further champion online games and reshape perceptions of esports in India, SOGF has also partnered with the International Mind Sports Association (IMSA) and the Global Esports Federation (GEF), aiming to revolutionize the gaming landscape.
Boban Totovski, General Secretary of IESF, remarked, “Supporting the growth of esports communities worldwide is a core mission of IESF. We are thrilled to partner with SOGF, which shares our vision for developing esports in India. We are excited to launch our new pro-series here, unlocking opportunities for athletes and esports enthusiasts.”
This partnership between SOGF and IESF, with the backing of the Indian government, signifies a pivotal step towards establishing India as a global leader in esports, particularly with the upcoming Olympic Esports Games on the horizon. As India continues to focus on expanding its international esports presence, this collaboration offers promising opportunities for its athletes and the burgeoning gaming industry.
