In a bold move signaling the evolution of Esports in India, the 3rd Asian Youth Games (AYG) 2025, set to unfold in Bahrain from October 22 to 31, 2025, will feature eFootball, Street Fighter, and Rocket League as official medal events. This announcement marks a pivotal moment for Indian gaming, spotlighting PC-based titles in a country long dominated by mobile gaming.
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🏅 Esports Goes Mainstream: Official Medal Event at AYG 2025
Earlier this year, Esports was officially recognized as a medal discipline at the AYG—a multi-sport tournament featuring 24 sports disciplines. Open to athletes aged 15 to 18 years, the Esports competitions will be overseen by the Asian Electronic Sports Federation (AESF). Notably, both boys’ and girls’ categories will compete in these high-octane titles, underscoring the inclusive nature of competitive gaming.
🚀 Why This Matters for India’s Esports Future
The inclusion of PC-based esports at AYG 2025 is more than just a medal count. It’s a game-changing opportunity for India to expand its Esports ecosystem, especially at the grassroots level. India has already seen a surge of momentum with the Khelo India Youth Games, where titles like BGMI, Street Fighter 6, eFootball, and chess were showcased as demonstration sports. Now, young gamers across the country can see a clearer pathway to international competitive Esports.
Animesh Agarwal, Co-founder and CEO of S8UL, a global Esports and gaming content powerhouse, shares his excitement:
“It’s a proud moment to see Esports take center stage at the Asian Youth Games with iconic titles like Street Fighter, eFootball, and Rocket League being officially recognized. This is just the beginning—this platform inspires young players and paves the way for future Esports legends. It’s history in the making.”
💻 PC Gaming’s Moment in India: From Niche to Mainstream
India’s Esports scene has historically been driven by mobile gaming, but the rise of PC-based titles like those at AYG 2025 signals a shift in the gaming landscape. CyberPowerPC India, a major player that entered the country last year, is at the forefront of this transformation. The company recently partnered with Orangutan Esports to power ApeCity, a cutting-edge gaming facility, with high-performance PCs.
Vishal Parekh, COO at CyberPowerPC India, shares:
“Seeing PC titles take center stage at the Asian Youth Games is a clear sign of Esports maturing in Asia. For India, this moment is a wake-up call to invest in infrastructure and create spaces like ApeCity, where young gamers can experience world-class hardware and realize their potential. It’s not just validation—it’s motivation to fuel the next generation of Esports athletes.”
🌍 India’s Growing Global Presence in Esports
India’s Esports momentum isn’t limited to AYG 2025. At the upcoming Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, scheduled for next year, 11 Esports titles will be official medal events. India, which already competed in four titles at the Asian Games 2022, is gearing up for a stronger showing on the global stage.
Pravan Parikh, Co-founder & Product Lead of Dirtcube Interactive LLP, which launched India’s first-of-its-kind gaming backend platform, Specter, highlights:
“AYG 2025 is a landmark for young Indian gamers. The inclusion of Esports brings recognition and structure to dreams long held by aspiring players. It’s a much-needed boost for PC gaming in a country where mobile has traditionally dominated. The shift opens doors for talent discovery, skill development, and long-term careers in gaming.”
🌟 What’s Next for India?
As India prepares to compete at AYG 2025, the spotlight on Esports is brighter than ever. With growing investment, cutting-edge infrastructure, and strong national representation, India is poised to become not just a participant but a serious contender in global Esports.
From Khelo India to the Asian Youth Games and beyond, the message is clear:
India’s Esports future is here, and it’s PC-powered.
