In a move that marks a progressive departure from the traditional career paths in India, Prime Minister Modi has hailed Esports as an emerging opportunity for the youth of the nation. The PM spoke at the launch event for the 7th Khelo India Youth Games, during which he stressed the evolving landscape of sports and its expanding influence beyond the traditional playing fields.
Esports Gains National Legitimacy in PM Modi’s Vision for Modern Sports Economy
Addressing a large gathering at the event, PM Modi stated, “The world of sports and the economy associated with it are no longer limited to just the playing field. Today, it is providing new opportunities for employment and self-employment to the youth. It includes physiotherapy, data analytics, sports technology, broadcasting, esports, management – and many such sub-sectors.”
This recognition from the highest level of government is genuinely a turning point for esports in India. Often misunderstood and dismissed as mere gaming, Esports has quickly become a billion-dollar industry in its own right, comprising professional competitions, content creation, event management, and related services. The very fact that Prime Minister Modi mentioned Esports in the same line as sports and occupation related to sports indicates the changing mindset of the nation towards accepting what constitutes a viable and honorable profession in the 21st century.
A Boost for Youth and Industry Stakeholders
In recent years, India saw tremendous growth in Esports, owing to the combination of smartphone penetration, affordable internet access, and a burgeoning young population. Titles like BGMI, Valorant, and FreeFire have created tremendous communities, competitive tournaments, and a growing number of professional players, streamers, and supporting professionals.
PM Modi’s comments will further boost the sector by inspiring more youngsters to pursue Esports without feeling stigmatized. It also sends strong signals to policymakers, educators, and investors to build much-needed infrastructure, training, and institutional support for this industry.
As India is all set toward becoming a digital-first economy, formal recognition of Esports by the Prime Minister represents a defining step toward the incorporation of new-age professions into the mainstream narrative. The Khelo India Youth Games thus serve to make a strong statement regarding the multiple avenues that are arising in the current sports ecosystems along with excellence in athletics.
