Rupees 11 billion opportunities for India in esports: Upmanyu Misra

Upmanyu Misra, a tech entrepreneur, mentor, and thought leader was interviewed by Economic Times about rising opportunities in the field. On being asked about what the sport lacks currently, he said that Indian parents still see online gaming as a stigma. First and foremost, this stigma has to be removed. Parents need to be made to realise that eSports is like any other sport or art that kids are generally interested in. The scope of eSports also needs to be at par with other sports so that the parents don't feel hesitant about letting their kids enter the field. 

Further, he also said that there is a need to encourage kids at the levels of schools and colleges to take part in eSports and to develop the kind of infrastructure and regulation that is required to treat this sport equal to other important sports in the country. He thinks India has what it takes for this industry to boom. Access to internet connectivity and cheap hardware are two things that any country needs to cultivate the ground for eSports and India has both. Misra also pointed out that while India has talent, the players are not ready to face international players yet due to a lack of an organised structure, sponsorships, equipment, and training. Moreover, many players are never even recognised because their families think it's only a hobby that has no future. 

Talking about the Asian Games, Misra said that the country is sending teams studded with star players. The country will be playing 5 events in total and it will be a great honour if we could see a few on the podium. The expert also believes that if we manage to win some medals at the Asian Games, it will help spread awareness in India about the eSport and will also strengthen people's belief in the game. 

Last but not least, the thought leader also believes that the current federation of eSports is not doing much for the players at the moment. There's no domestic league unlike all the other sports, and the federation never organises any events except for a few qualifiers. There's a need for a strong support structure and a robust strategy to bring the sport to a level where it becomes a national favourite. Though Misra agrees that it will take time, funding, and infrastructure to fulfil the dream of seeing eSports among all the other big sports of India one day, it will also take effort, dedication and commitment.