Esports has come a long way from being a mere demonstration event at the Asian Games to becoming an official medal event. The highly anticipated Asian Games 2022, originally scheduled for September last year but now set for September 23 to October 8, 2023, is poised to be a groundbreaking moment for the esports community. Held at the China Hangzhou Esports Centre, this edition of the Asian Games 2022 waves in four of these titles: DOTA 2, FIFA Online 4, League of Legends, and Street Fighter V: Champion Edition.
Asian Games 2022: India’s Esports Contingent
FIFA Online 4: The Virtual Football Showdown
In the realm of virtual football, FIFA Online 4 reigns supreme. The tournament for this title will take place from September 24 to 27. It’s a single-player game that encapsulates the excitement of real-world football matches. Players assume control of teams composed of real-life football players, strategizing, defending, passing, and attacking their way to victory. The matches are intense, lasting about 15 minutes each, with halftime breaks. Charanjot Singh and Karman Singh Tikka will be the Indian contenders in FIFA Online 4, aiming to score goals and bring glory to the nation.
League of Legends: The Battle for the Nexus
League of Legends, known for its dynamic team-based gameplay, will be contested from September 25 to 29. Teams collaborate to defeat their opponents by destroying the enemy’s Nexus, situated at the heart of their base. The tournament features various positions, each with unique roles and responsibilities. Top, jungler, mid, ADC, and support players work in harmony, combining their strengths to secure victory. Akshaj Shenoy leads the Indian team, with Samarth Arvind Trivedi, Mihir Ranjan, Aditya Selvaraj, Aakash Shandilya, and Sanindhya Malik completing the squad. With a gold win on the line, they are ready to outwit and outplay their adversaries.
Street Fighter V: Champion Edition: Unleash the Fighters
Street Fighter V is a one-on-one fighting game where players select unique characters with their own special moves and abilities. This esports event is scheduled for September 26 to 28. Each match is a thrilling martial arts showdown, lasting just 1-2 minutes. Mayank Prajapati and Ayan Biswas represent India in this fierce competition, where quick reflexes and impeccable strategies determine the victor.
DOTA 2: The Battle for the Ancients
DOTA 2, short for Defense of the Ancients 2, is a team-based strategy game. Set to take place from September 29 to October 2, it features teams of five players each, tasked with protecting their own Ancient while destroying the enemy’s. The game revolves around heroes, each with unique abilities, who must work together to become powerful enough to achieve victory. Roles like carry, midlane, offlane, soft support, and hard support define each player’s duties. Darshan Bata leads the Indian DOTA 2 team, comprising Krish Gupta, Abhishek Yadav, Ketan Goyal, and Shubham Goli. Much like League of Legends, five players will form the Indian squad, determined to conquer the lanes and seize the gold.
Hearthstone and Excluded Titles
While India is making strides in the selected titles, it’s worth noting that talented athletes Shikhar Choudhary and Karthik Varma were initially set to represent the country in Hearthstone, which was originally part of the Asian Games program but was later removed. Furthermore, some titles like Arena of Valor and Peace Elite AGV (a special version of PUBG Mobile) are banned in India. Additionally, Dream Three Kingdoms 2 is unavailable in the country, highlighting the complex landscape of esports on a global scale.
As esports gains recognition and respect on the world stage, the Asian Games 2022 will undoubtedly be a pivotal moment for the industry. India’s participation in titles like DOTA 2, FIFA Online 4, League of Legends, and Street Fighter V: Champion Edition reflects the nation’s growing prowess in the virtual arena. As these Indian athletes prepare to battle it out on the digital battlefield, they carry not only their own dreams but also the aspirations of a nation. As the world watches, the Asian Games 2022 will undoubtedly leave an indelible mark on the history of esports.
With the spotlight firmly on these esports talents, the Asian Games 2022 promises to be an unforgettable event, showcasing the intersection of skill, strategy, and passion in the realm of competitive gaming.
