In a landmark development, esports will make its debut as a demonstration sport at the Khelo India Youth Games (KIYG) 2025, to be held in Bihar from May 4 to 15.
Since its inception, the KIYG has functioned as a launching pad for India’s budding stars. Under the scheme, 1,000 athletes are awarded an annual scholarship of ₹5 lakh for eight years to help prepare them for international competitions. The government has also announced that medal winners at Khelo India events will be eligible for government jobs, providing further incentive for youth to pursue sports professionally. Each edition of the Khelo India Youth Games serves as a pathway to the Olympic podium, providing athletes with early exposure to multisport environments and a national-level platform for talent identification.
This development follows the inclusion of esports for a second consecutive time as an official medal sport at the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games in 2026. With esports set to make its debut in the Olympics in 2027, during the inaugural Olympics Esports Games, this inclusion further solidifies its status in India, placing it on par with traditional sports.
Commenting on the positive turn of events, Animesh Agarwal, co-founder and CEO of S8UL noted: “…This recognition not only further legitimizes esports as a new-age sport but also places our athletes alongside traditional sports disciplines, giving them the respect and platform they deserve. More importantly, it lays the foundation for a structured grassroots infrastructure, where parents can see a clear pathway for their kids to pursue esports professionally. Having esports under the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports (MYAS) is something we have long advocated for, and this is a significant step in the right direction.”
Siddharth Nayyar, CEO, Max Level, added: “This move will not only provide young talent with a structured pathway but also encourage parents to view esports as a viable career option. Playing alongside traditional athletes fosters recognition, respect, and a competitive mindset which are essential elements for India’s future esports champions. With esports now aligning with national sports initiatives, we are one step closer to building a thriving ecosystem that nurtures talent from the grassroots level.”
