Indian Esports Players to Receive Cash Rewards Under Sports Ministry Program

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In a significant development, India’s Sports Ministry has officially included esports in its cash rewards program for medalists in world and continental championships. This move marks a pivotal moment for competitive gaming in India, as it now stands on par with traditional sports in terms of government recognition and financial incentives.

According to a report by The Bridge, this recognition follows esports’ inclusion as an official medal event at the 2023 Asian Games, where India competed in League of Legends, DOTA 2, Street Fighter V, and EAFC. With esports set to debut in the Olympics in 2025 during the inaugural Olympic Esports Games, this inclusion further solidifies its status within India’s sporting landscape.

The Indian government has consistently supported the gaming sector, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently highlighting its potential in a Lok Sabha speech. He emphasized the importance of gaming and encouraged India’s youth to position the country as a global leader in creative gaming. This growing national endorsement fuels optimism about the future of esports in India.

Several key figures in the esports industry have praised this move. Akshat Rathee, Co-founder and Managing Director of NODWIN Gaming, emphasized that esports shares fundamental characteristics with traditional sports, such as hand-eye coordination, reflexes, strategic thinking, and teamwork. According to him, just like cricket or football, esports demands rigorous training, discipline, and a passionate fan base. As technology continues to shape competitive gaming, the parallels between sports and esports are expected to grow stronger.

Echoing similar sentiments, Animesh Agarwal, Co-founder of S8UL Esports, called this decision a major milestone for the esports industry. He stated that the inclusion of esports in the Sports Ministry’s cash incentive program validates the dedication of players while opening up new opportunities for growth, investment, and talent development.

One of the key challenges esports in India has faced is the frequent disbanding of teams after major tournaments, making it difficult for players to sustain long-term careers. Vishal Parekh, Chief Operating Officer of CyberPowerPC India, believes this move can help address that by encouraging team cohesion and cultivating a more stable competitive environment.

Esports Recognition: A Game-Changer for Players, Coaches, and the Industry

Beyond financial rewards, the recognition of esports alongside traditional sports provides reassurance to aspiring gamers, parents, and stakeholders. According to Vishal Parekh, this inclusion legitimizes esports as a government-backed competitive discipline, paving the way for structured career paths and professional opportunities.

A significant aspect of this new policy is the recognition of coaches’ contributions to esports athletes’ success. Under the new framework, coaches will receive financial rewards based on their role in developing medal-winning players. The grassroots-level coach, responsible for identifying and grooming talent, will receive 30% of the total cash incentive. Developmental-level coaches, who further nurture these athletes, will also receive 30%, while elite-level coaches, who provide advanced training, will be awarded the largest share of 40%.

Mikhail Bhutia, Co-Founder & Tech Lead of Dirtcube Interactive LLP, highlights that this structured reward system will help promote professional coaching in esports. He believes that by extending financial incentives to both athletes and coaches, the move unlocks long-term career opportunities and strengthens India’s esports ecosystem.

The expansion of esports in India is expected to have positive spillover effects on related industries. Game development, digital design, software engineering, and content creation are among the sectors that will benefit from this growing industry. Startups and established companies alike stand to gain from the increased investment and innovation within the gaming ecosystem.

The inclusion of esports in India’s Sports Ministry cash rewards program represents a defining moment for the industry. With ongoing government support and financial incentives for both players and coaches, esports in India is set to reach new heights. As competitive gaming continues to evolve, this recognition ensures that esports athletes have a structured path toward long-term success, bringing India closer to becoming a global powerhouse in the gaming sector.

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