Esports: Indian teams leave for inaugural Commonwealth Esports Championship

The Indian DOTA 2 and Rocket League teams pulled through for the event through the South Asian Regional Qualifiers in July. The Indian contingent to be featured at the first-ever Commonwealth Esports Championship leaves for Birmingham, the event venue. 

The esports tournament, organized by Commonwealth Games Federation and Global Esports Federation, will welcome multiple countries when it takes place from August 6-7.

The DOTA 2 and Rocket League members were a part of the send-off ceremony hosted by the Esports Federation of India (ESFI) on Sunday. 

The federation also revealed the Indian team's official kits for the tournament. 

The Indian squad in the Rocket League will have captain Hargun Singh, Sandeep Sahani and Rushil Reddy. Team Dota 2 comprises captain Moin Ejaz, Abhishek Yadav, Ketan Goyal, Shubham Goli and Vishal Vernekar.  

Their remarkable victories in the South Asian Regional Qualifiers for the Commonwealth event in July proved their competence. Rocket League's Hargun revealed how excited about the inclusion of esports in a Commonwealth event. 

He believes it could change how people around the world view esports. It is an ample opportunity for him, so he wants to represent India and make the best out of it.

Ejaz further revealed that they have been fixated on their strategies and practicing a lot to secure a podium finish. Lokesh Suji, Director ESFI & VP- Asian Esports Federation, has also acknowledged the growth of esports in India and the participation of two Indian teams on a global stage. 

The Commonwealth Esports Championships 2022 will take place at the International Convention Centre in Birmingham. Other than DOTA2 and Rocket League, PES2022 will also compete. 

Schedule, groups, and preliminary rounds

The Preliminary rounds for Commonwealth Esports Championships 2022 are to happen between August 3-5 at Nottingham Trent University. 

Meanwhile, the Semi-Finals and Finals will be held on August 6-7 at ICC, Birmingham. We will witness seven countries participating in DOTA 2 and eight in Rocket League at the event.

For DOTA 2, India has been named alongside England, Wales, and Trinidad and Tobago in Group A. For Rocket League, India is a part of Group B with England, Canada, and Wales.

Indian fans want to see their teams leaving a strong impact at the inaugural Commonwealth Esports Championships 2022. Considering their existing track record, the matches will be competitive, with the Indians giving their best shot.