Expressnews
New Delhi, 2nd April 2025 – The Esports Conclave 2025 emerged as a defining moment for Indian Esports, setting the tone for a new era of national policy, industry alignment and global ambition. Hosted by the Physical Education Foundation of India (PEFI), a National Sports Promotion Organization (NSPO) recognized by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, Government of India, in collaboration with KRAFTON India, Invest India and NODWIN Gaming, the event, which concluded in New Delhi yesterday, brought together key decision-makers, innovators and stakeholders from across the ecosystem.
The Conclave concluded with a collective commitment to prepare and submit formal Esports policy recommendations to the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports. This marks the beginning of a focused roadmap to integrate Esports into India’s broader sports and youth development policies.
The landmark event was graced by Raksha Nikhil Khadse, Hon’ble Minister of State for Youth Affairs & Sports, as the Chief Guest. She lauded the efforts of all stakeholders in fostering an environment that promotes Esports talent and innovation. She also highlighted the sector’s potential in enhancing digital literacy, generating employment opportunities, and underscored the government’s commitment to positioning Esports as a mainstream sports discipline.
Speaking at the event, Smt. Raksha Nikhil Khadse, Hon’ble Minister of State for Youth Affairs & Sports said, “E-sports is a realm of Sports Governance with fast-growing industry & immense potential. The Esports Conclave 2025 organized by the Physical Education Foundation of India (PEFI) and supported by KRAFTON and Invest India aimed to discuss the potential and future of Esports and its role in global leadership. The discussions with industry leaders, policymakers, and gaming professionals highlighted key opportunities, challenges, and the future of competitive gaming in India. With the right policies and investments, India is set to become a global powerhouse in Esports!”
This comes at a time when Esports has been confirmed as a medalingsport at the Asian Games in Hangzhou and will be one in the upcoming 2026 Asian Games in Nagoya, Japan. Additionally, the first edition of the Olympic Esports Games, a landmark event, both, in the world of Esports, and within the Olympic Movement, is scheduled to be held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia in 2027.
Representatives from across sectors including gaming firms, government institutions, Esports platforms, training bodies and startups participated in the discussions. Centered around the overarching theme of ‘Forging the Path to Global Leadership,’ the Conclave featured three high-powered panel discussions exploring the future of Esports in India, the country’s medal ambitions on the global stage, and strategies for building a robust Esports industry.
Mr. Sean Hyunil Sohn, CEO, KRAFTON India, opened the inaugural session and said, “India is at a pivotal moment in its Esportsjourney. With growing momentum across policy, talent, and investment, the country is well-positioned to lead the global Esportsnarrative. At KRAFTON, we’re proud to support this transformation by investing in talent, fostering innovation, and helping build a thriving, world-class Esports ecosystem. Supportive policies and a collaborative ecosystem will be key in propelling India to the forefront of the global Esports arena.”
“Esports is a rapidly growing sector and should be integrated into school curriculums. Establishing structured training programs and fostering grassroots development will be key to nurturing talent and paving the way for future Olympic success in Esports,” said Dr. Piyush Jain, National Secretary PEFI.
Some of the key attendees and speakers at the Conclave included:
Guests of Honor:
● Shri Bangararaju V.V.K.K. Thatavarthi Director-Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports, Government of India
● Mr. Amulya Sah – Senior Vice President, Invest India
● Mr Anandeshwar Panday – General Secretary, Uttar Pradesh Olympic Association
● Ms. Shreya Singhal, IAS, Additional Director of Education, Government of Delhi
Among the other esteemed guests were:
● Mr. Akshat Rathee, Managing Director & Co-Founder, NODWIN Gaming
● Mr. Animesh Agarwal, Managing Director & CEO, S8UL
● Mr. Minho Yi, Vice President, Head of Esports, KRAFTON, Inc. (South Korea)
● Mr Karan Pathak, Associate Director, Esports, KRAFTON India.
● Mr. Udit Sheth, Founder & Managing Director, TransStadia & President, Yogasana Bharat
● Mr. S.N. Raghuchandran Nair, Vice President & Executive Director, Kerala Olympic Association
● Mr. Aman Garg, Chair, Commonwealth Youth for Sports Development and Peace Council
● Mr. Abhishek Aggarwal, Co-Founder & CEO, Trinity Gaming
● Mr. Siddharth Nayyar, Co-Founder, Max Level
● Ms. Kaveri Khullar, Senior Vice President, Marketing & Sponsorships, Mastercard AsiaPac
● Dr. Piyush Jain, National Secretary, PEFI & Governing Body Member, SAI
● Dr. A.K Bansal, Dronacharya Awardee (Hockey), President – PEFI
● Sh. Aswini Sahoo, Consultant – Adventure Sports, Grant Thornton Bharat LLP
The discussions covered critical themes including the rise of Esportsin India, policy and investment opportunities, integration with traditional sports, career and revenue models, as well as strategies for international competitiveness, player development, and India’s medal ambitions on the global stage. This Conclave stands as the strongest statement yet of India’s commitment to elevating Esports to a new tier of recognition and respect. With active collaboration between government and industry, and a formal policy submission on the horizon, India is setting the stage to become a global Esports leader.
