Esports to make debut as a medal event at 2022 Asian Games

    The Olympic Council of Asia recently announced that Esports will be making its debut in the Asian Games this year.

    Esports will make its debut at the Asian Games this year Image credit: PA Images Esports will make its debut at the Asian Games this year

    Esports were only established as a demonstration sport during the 18th Asian Games in 2018, which meant that medals were not counted in the final medal total.

    The eight medal games that will be played this season are: Arena of Valor Asian Games Version, Dota 2, Dream Three Kingdoms 2, EA SPORTS FIFA branded football games, HearthStone, League of Legends, PUBG Mobile Asian Games Version, and Street Fighter V.

    There will be a total of 24 medals up for grabs at the 2022 Asian Games, which will be held in Hangzhou, China, in September 2022. This is not only a fantastic opportunity for Asian gamers, but also for Esports enthusiasts who want to watch their favourite games live.

    Making the announcement, The Director-General of the OCA, Husain Al-Musallam, said: "We hope that this announcement allows all participating teams ample time to prepare and equip themselves ahead of the qualifying stages.

    "I believe we have ticked all the right boxes ensuring a high level of competition which promises great viewing for enthusiasts and casuals alike."

    Mr Lokesh Suji, Vice President of the Asian Esports Federation and the Director of the Esports Federation of India, also showed great confidence in the Indian players.

    He said: "For titles like Hearthstone, EA FIFA, DOTA2, League of Legends, Street Fighter, we have very strong chances of winning Medals for India; Tirth Mehta who got bronze medal last time (2018), will be able to convert that bronze to a gold this time."

    Mr Suji feels that it is high time that Esports should be recognized as a legitimate sport in India. If India wins more medals at the Asian Games and becomes more well-known, the Indian government may begin to take the sport more seriously, opening up new chances for the athletes.

    Mr Suji added: "Thankfully, we have ample time on our hands (unlike last time) to have the best of the players represent India at the Asian Games in 2022.

    "We're still waiting on further inputs for games like AOV (Asian Games Version) and PUBG Mobile (Asian Games Version)."

     

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