India's sporting landscape has reached a new milestone, with esports gaining official recognition alongside traditional sports. For the first time, esports will be officially included in the Khelo India Youth Games (KIYG) 2025, marking a historic moment for the digital gaming sector in India.
Sports News: A landmark initiative has been undertaken in India, incorporating esports into the Khelo India Youth Games (KIYG) 2025 for the first time. This allows players to compete in games like BGMI (Battlegrounds Mobile India), Street Fighter 6, e-football, and chess. Esports industry experts believe this move is a significant step towards mainstreaming the sport.
Esports is not only rapidly gaining popularity among young people but is also receiving international recognition. It will be an official medal event at the 2026 Asian Games, and the first Olympic esports event is scheduled for 2027.
Which Esports Will Be Included?
Four major digital games will be featured in this event, taking place at the Pataliputra Sports Complex, Patna, on May 6th and 7th:
- Battlegrounds Mobile India (BGMI)
- Street Fighter 6
- Chess (digital format)
- e-Football
These competitions will be played on both mobile and console platforms. The inclusion of BGMI, immensely popular in India, is a major inspiration for young people, while the inclusion of chess in digital format represents an interesting blend of tradition and technology.
Why is this Decision Significant?
This is the first time esports has been included in a major, government-sponsored sporting event in India. Experts view this move as a "mainstream entry" for esports. Online gaming and esports have seen a rapid surge in popularity in India over the past few years, particularly among youth following the COVID-19 pandemic.
According to Akshat Rathi, co-founder of Nodwin Gaming, the inclusion of esports in the Khelo India Youth Games 2025 demonstrates that digital gaming is now being given a platform equal to traditional sports. This shift will provide a new direction for grassroots esports in India.
Bihar Emerges as a New Esports Hub
Bihar, traditionally known for sports like cricket and wrestling, has become a leading state in promoting digital gaming. Before bringing esports to KIYG 2025, the state laid a b foundation by organizing events such as the Bihar Open Esports Championship and Inter School & College Esports Tournament. This has unearthed many talented young players who can now make their mark at the national level.
Esports is now being viewed not just as a hobby but also as a career. Experts believe this decision could make India a b contender in the 2026 Asian Games, where esports has been included as an official medal event.
