The Skillhub Online Games Federation (SOGF), in partnership with the International Esports Federation (IESF), is preparing to organise the International Esports Championships in India, a first for the country. This initiative, sponsored by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, echoes an effort to promote India's esports ecosystem and boost the country's competitive gaming presence on a worldwide scale.
SOGF members and IESF General Secretary Boban Totovski recently met with Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports, to discuss the idea. The minister expressed his support for the introduction of international esports tournaments in India and stated the necessity of developing a strong ecosystem to provide Indian esports players with global chances.
Expanding Esports Opportunities In India
The collaboration between SOGF and IESF is viewed as a step towards increasing India's involvement in global esports. According to Shankar Aggarwal, President of SOGF, the effort intends to expand the reach of esports in India and pave the way for international events to take place in the country. Aggarwal also pressed upon the importance of regulating the rising esports and skill-based gaming sectors in order to provide gamers with a fair and competitive environment.
SOGF's membership includes former high-ranking officials, civil workers and industry veterans, as well as 29 state bodies, demonstrating a robust governance framework and widespread support for esports development.
International Support For India’s Esports Growth
Boban Totovski, General Secretary of the International Esports Federation, reaffirmed the organisation's support for India's esports development. He noted that the pro-series event organised by IESF will begin in India, expressing trust in SOGF's ability to promote esports prospects for both players and enthusiasts.
Along with its collaboration with IESF, SOGF has formed alliances with other international organisations such as the International Mind Sports Association (IMSA) and the Global Esports Federation.