"Esports is being promoted in a new way."
Esports in India is at a decisive crossroads.
For years, competitive gaming has thrived on raw passion, private investment, and global influences, but without clear institutional backing.
That is set to change thanks to the Online Gaming Bill, which formally recognises Esports as a legitimate sport, paving the way for structured growth.
With new legislation and policy, India wants Esports to stand alongside cricket and football as a mainstream sport.
Let’s look at how the country plans to do this.
Recognition Through Policy
The Online Gaming Bill is the government’s blueprint for bringing Esports into the mainstream.
The bill proposes a legal authority to regulate, promote, and provide legitimacy to competitive gaming.
This means Esports will finally be seen as skill-based competition rather than a branch of gambling or casual online play.
Under the bill, guidelines and standards of practice will be set for organisers, federations, and clubs.
Training academies, research centres, and Esports institutions will be established to cultivate professional talent. Incentives, awareness campaigns, and outreach programmes are also planned to boost participation and investment.
Explaining the distinction, Union Information and Broadcasting Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw told Parliament:
“In the Esports segment, an individual’s strategic thinking increases, and they learn to coordinate in a team and do cultural exchange. And in the world, Esports is being promoted in a new way.”
Has the Move been Welcomed?
The move has sparked optimism across the Esports world.
Rajan Navani, Founder and CEO of JetSynthesys, one of India’s largest gaming companies, said:
“India has taken a welcome step for the promotion of casual video gaming and Esports by giving the industry clarity between sport and real money gaming.
“This distinction gives players, teams, and investors the confidence to plan long-term, and it should accelerate the growth of tournaments, training centres, and high-skill jobs across tech, content, and production.”
Similarly, Shiva Nandy, Founder and CEO of Skyesports, believes the bill marks a turning point:
“With real-money gaming facing restrictions, both players and investors are actively looking for sustainable and legitimate avenues, and Esports is emerging as the natural choice.”
The legislation is also being hailed by players and teams who view it as a long-overdue recognition of esports as a serious career path.
Animesh Agarwal, Co-founder and CEO of S8UL, described it as a “historic turning point” for the industry, adding:
“Esports is a sport built on skill, discipline and years of grind.”
“With government recognition and the right infrastructure, India is now poised to become a global powerhouse in Esports and gaming culture.”
Clearing Up Confusion
Despite the enthusiasm, clarity remains critical.
For years, Esports has often been lumped together with real-money gaming and casual online play, creating confusion among regulators and investors.
Industry leaders stress the importance of drawing clear distinctions.
Akshat Rathee, Co-founder and MD of NODWIN Gaming, explained:
“The absence of precise definitions has often led to ambiguity and conflation around the term ‘Esports’.”
“Such overlaps can create confusion not just for regulators, but also for players, teams, investors, and organisers who are working hard to build this industry.
“It will allow every stakeholder, from athletes and teams to platforms and video game publishers, to operate with clarity and confidence.”
The Esports Players Welfare Association (EPWA), which represents a wide cross-section of gaming professionals, has also urged caution.
In a statement, it warned: “The blanket ban proposed under the new Online Gaming Bill raises serious concerns for our community and the future of Indian skill-based gaming.”
The association stressed that distinctions must be carefully drawn to ensure shoutcasters, analysts, coaches, designers, and others in the ecosystem are protected.
The Future Ahead
The bill could mark the beginning of India’s rise as a global Esports hub.
Analysts say the next steps should focus on infrastructure, training, and international integration.
Ananay Jain, Partner at Grant Thornton Bharat, told Fortune India:
“Its long-term success will depend on effective enforcement, collaboration with stakeholders, and adaptive updates to match emerging technologies, including VR/AR gaming, metaverse applications, and international Esports.”
Industry players agree that developing bootcamps, scholarships, and grassroots initiatives will be essential.
India’s Esports journey has been one of grassroots energy fighting for recognition.
Now, with government backing and a clear policy framework, the industry is preparing to step onto the main stage.
The new bill promises structure, legitimacy, and opportunity, while challenges remain in ensuring clear definitions and strong enforcement.
If executed well, India could not only mainstream Esports domestically but also become a global leader in competitive gaming.
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