Esports has become extremely prevalent in India with multiple tournaments with huge prize pools and events taking place frequently. As competitive gaming has gained traction in India, several esports organizations, tournament organizers and talent agencies has also formed to create a decent ecosystem. This gradual growth and expansion of esports has pushed the country to think serious about the field. According to latest reports, one state has taken serious steps to focus on esports.
Madhya Pradesh announces Online Gaming Academy, a first in India along with a BGMI tournament
As reported by Times of India, the Madhya Pradesh sports department has just announced India’s first ‘Online Gaming Academy’ sometime next month. The state government is calling this gaming academy, “MP State Esports Academy”. Furthermore, it has also announced the MP State Junior Esports Championship for all BGMI players across the state.
The MP Junior Esports Championship will take place between July 27 and August 7, with players aged 12-17 participating in the tournament. Interested BGMI players can head to the registration form to register for the upcoming event. The final date for the registration is set as July 23.
MP State Esports Academy program details and more
Madhya Pradesh Department of Sports and Youth Welfare will use the BGMI tournament to select the top esports talent for the “MP State Esports Academy”. According to the registration rules, 80 percent of the seats from the final selection are reserved for gamers from Madhya Pradesh. On the other hand, 20 percent of the players will be from other states across the country.
The government will provide “intensive coaching” and “top quality esports education” to the “selected esports athletes” for a period of 12 months without any charge. Madhya Pradesh government has not shared any details around the “esports education” or the coaches that would train the esports players.
First official BGMI tournament by a state government
Considering the controversy around BGMI including its provisional return after the ban, it is interesting that a state government is organizing an official tournament. However, it also makes sense given Krafton confirmed that India gamers can “qualify for the 2022 Asian Games” through BGMI.
Given that India has also started sending esports contingents to multiple international events where players can win for the country on a global stage. The inclusion of esports as a medal sport has helped accelerate the acceptance of the field in India. This growing acceptance has also turned esports into a dream and passion for the Indian youth.
Sports minister Yashodhara Raje Scindia reportedly added that their state, Madya Pradesh is now a sports hub. The main “objective” behind the Esports Academy is for India to have “a presence in the Asian Games and Olympics”.
Madhya Pradesh is really looking towards helping the youth follow their passion with the MP State Esports Academy. IGN India has reached out to Krafton for an official statement around this development. We will update the copy if and when we receive a statement.
In addition to esports, the state government has also announced a Break Dance academy for the children. Scindia also believes that these academies will help towards converting the youth’s passion into profession. This is surely exciting news for India and players will be hoping that other states follow MP’s path too.
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