Assures New Opportunities for Youth in the Esports Sector
Mumbai, August 2026: Maharashtra’s Minister for Electronics, Information Technology and Artificial Intelligence Development and Cultural Affairs, Adv. Ashish Shelar, has assumed charge as the President of the Esports Games Federation (ESGF). Shelar was elected during the federation’s General Body Meeting, which was attended by representatives from 22 states across the country.
Speaking after his election, IT Minister Ashish Shelar said efforts would be made to give the esports sector a more organised, transparent and professional structure, thereby encouraging greater economic investment and creating employment opportunities in the country. He said the government would work to provide a platform for the digital skills of the younger generation and develop esports not merely as entertainment or gaming, but as a field offering skills, discipline, training and career opportunities.
Shelar said he would take up the challenge of creating opportunities for young people and developing skilled esports players, just as India has produced accomplished athletes in traditional sports. He added that the federation would coordinate with esports federations in different states and engage with the Central Government wherever necessary to further develop the sector.
The ESGF is an important organisation working towards the development of esports in India. With the sector expanding rapidly, the federation is focused on creating new opportunities for young people. India’s esports and gaming industry is growing at a significant pace, with around 520 million gamers in the country and approximately 110 million players participating in gaming activities every day. Tournaments are organised across 28 gaming titles in India, while the number of esports viewers is estimated at around 80 to 90 million.
The federation is also working to establish a structured ecosystem for esports along the lines of traditional sports such as cricket, football and hockey. This includes national teams, selection processes, competitions, training programmes, rules and systems for international representation.
The federation expressed confidence that Shelar’s appointment would provide fresh momentum to the esports sector, given his extensive experience working with federations and organisations associated with various traditional and sporting activities, including cricket, football, rope skipping, Dahi Handi and adventure sports.
