Skillhub and IESF Unite to Host International Esports Championships in India
International Esports Championships to India SOGF representatives and IESF’s Boban Totovski met the Hon’ble Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports, Dr Mansukh Mandaviya, to discuss the same
Skillhub Online Games Federation
The Skillhub Online Games Federation (SOGF) with the support of the Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports is aiming to bring the prestigious International Esports Championships to India for the first time, marking a major milestone for the country’s burgeoning esports industry. In a strategic attempt to establish India as a worldwide leader in online competitive and skill-based gaming, SOGF is collaborating with the International Esports Federation (IESF) to host world-class competitions on Indian soil.
Last week, officials from the SOGF and the IESF General Secretary, Boban Totovski, met with the Hon'ble Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports, Dr Mansukh Mandaviya, to discuss their historic relationship aimed at defining the future of India's esports ecosystem.
During the discussion, the Hon'ble Sports Minister voiced his full support for SOGF and IESF's ambition to offer world-class esports programming in India, underlining the importance of growing the ecosystem and giving Indian athletes worldwide possibilities. He also supported SOGF's efforts to regulate the esports and skill-based gaming ecosystems, reaffirming the government's commitment to creating a fair and competitive environment for the industry's expansion.
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Shankar Aggarwal, President of SOGF, stated, "We are extremely grateful to the government and IESF for turning things around in such a short period." India has enormous esports potential, and this alliance can completely revolutionise the country's esports environment. Not only will it increase the popularity of esports in India, but it will also open the way for top-tier international events to be held in the country. With the help of the government and international organisations like the IESF, we hope to build a fair and thriving environment. Our commitment is to nurture talent, regulate the industry, and ensure that Indian athletes have every opportunity to excel on the global stage.”
SOGF comprises Olympians, former high-ranking officials including former CJI and SC Judges, civil servants, and industry veterans, ensuring robust governance; it is further strengthened by its 29 associate state bodies, reflecting nationwide support for such initiatives. It is dedicated to ensuring fair competition, fostering transparency, and nurturing talent to represent India globally thereby emphasising fairness, collaboration, and sustainable long-term growth for India’s online gaming industry.
SOG Federation has also joined hands with the International Mind Sports Association (IMSA), an umbrella organisation for global governing bodies of mind and skill-based sports, and the Global Esports Federation (GEF)
Boban Totovski, General Secretary, of IESF, said, “Supporting the growth and development of Esports communities around the world has always been one of the IESF’s key missions. We’re glad to see that SOGF shares the same values and is dedicated to working toward the same vision in India. We are thrilled that our new pro-series will begin here, and we feel SOGF is an excellent partner for the project, providing chances for athletes, development, and esports aficionados."
Furthermore, the relationship between SOGF and IESF, which is endorsed by the Government of India, is a significant move towards becoming a worldwide leader in the field, especially with the highly anticipated Olympic Esports Games currently in the works.
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