India Steps Onto the Global Esports Stage

Indian esports has entered a transformative chapter as SOGF has been granted dual membership with GEF and IESF. This makes SOGF the official authority responsible for representing India in international tournaments while also enabling the country to host major global events.

Two historic tournaments are already confirmed—Mumbai will host the Global Esports Tour 2025, while India will also stage the World Esports Championship with IESF. These events not only put India on the esports map but also provide homegrown players direct exposure to international competition.

Leadership and Vision

This transition is being led by Advocate Nandan Jha, Founder and Advisor of SOGF, who has also been appointed as Senior Advisor to the Global Esports Federation. Alongside him, Shankar Aggarwal, President of SOGF, has committed to aligning India’s esports ecosystem with international standards while ensuring government and policy support.

For the first time, Indian representatives now hold influential positions within global esports governance, allowing the community’s voice to shape the international esports agenda.

Strong Government Backing

The Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, under Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, has extended official support to SOGF. This endorsement integrates esports into the National Sports Development Code 2011 and India’s New Sports Policy, moving competitive gaming closer to full recognition as a legitimate sport in the country.

With operations in over half of India’s states and international recognition secured, SOGF already meets the formal requirements of a national sporting federation.

Building the Esports Ecosystem

Since its launch in 2023, SOGF has consistently elevated Indian esports through major events. The 2024 Online Skill Games and Esports Olympiad was attended by key government figures, while the 2025 Esports National Championship brought mainstream cultural legitimacy, with support from sports legends like Kapil Dev, Ajinkya Rahane, and Robin Uthappa.

The federation has also built strategic partnerships, including collaborations with IMSA to merge mind sports like chess with esports, and corporate alliances with EaseMyTrip and Manipal Hospitals to strengthen its operational base.

What This Means for Indian Esports

SOGF’s rise represents a definitive shift in Indian esports. Players will now enjoy direct access to world-class tournaments, infrastructure, and international investment. It also cements India’s role as a global esports hub, with the power to attract foreign sponsors and showcase Indian talent to the world.

The replacement of ESFI with SOGF marks the closing of one era and the beginning of another—an era defined by global integration, opportunity, and legitimacy.

 

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