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Esports Debuts as Official Medal Event at Asian Games 2023

With Esports’ debut as a medal event in the Asian Games, the dream of being part of the Olympics could be possible according to gamers and experts. By: Dylan Low

Esports will hail as an official medal event in the Asian Games in Hangzhou, China this year, marking a first for the multi-sports tournament and a major step forward for competitive gaming. Players will compete in EA Sports FC, PUBG Mobile, Arena of Valor, Dota 2, League of Legends, Dream Three Kingdoms 2 and Street Fighter V.

The games are scheduled to a bumper crowd at China Hangzhou ESports centre, a huge contrast to players slinking off in rundown arcades to their parents’ disapproval.

The inclusion of e-sports at the Games is a milestone in its quest for its recognition as a ‘real sport, said Professor Kang of Shingu College, one of the first generation of Korean professional gamers “H.O.T Forever”.

Lokesh Suji, vice-president of the Asian Electronic Sports Federation, called the Asian Games a significant development towards their Olympics goal. "The dream will eventually be realised once it gets included into the Olympics as a fully-fledged medal sport," said Suji, also a director of the Esports Federation of India.

There are no plans for the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to include video games in the Olympic programme, a barrier being the types of games included promoting violence that goes against Olympic values. This eliminates some popular Esports titles for competition.

Despite Olympic aspirations still out of reach, gamers claim the feature of Esports in the Asian Games will grant more fans, players and recognition - a beneficial development to its reputation.

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