Synopsis
The Olympic Council of Asia has expanded the Esports lineup for the 2026 Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games, introducing 11 titles. This development enhances India's chances for medals and promotes greater youth participation in competitive gaming.Key Takeaways
- Expanded Esports program with 11 titles for 2026.
- India’s esports contingent is set to grow significantly.
- New opportunities for Indian gamers to compete internationally.
- OCA’s decision boosts awareness and youth involvement in Esports.
- Esports gaining traction as a competitive discipline in India.
Harbin (China), February 21 (NationPress) The chances for India to strengthen its Esports representation at the 2026 Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games have received a significant uplift, as the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) has unveiled a broadened selection of 11 Esports titles for the competition.
In a pivotal announcement, the OCA Executive Board convened and sanctioned the addition of Street Fighter 6, Pokemon Unite, Honor of Kings, League of Legends – Asian Games Version, PUBG – Asian Games Version, Mobile Legends – Bang Bang, Naraka: Bladepoint, Gran Turismo 7, eFootball Series, and Puyo Puyo Champions as medal events in the upcoming 2026 Games.
This expansion signifies a notable advancement from the 2022 Hangzhou Asian Games, where esports made its debut as an official medal sport with seven titles. During that event, India participated in only four: DOTA 2, FIFA Online 4, Street Fighter V, and League of Legends, while other games were prohibited in the nation.
With six new titles added and two from 2022 removed, India’s esports team is poised for growth, although PUBG and Mobile Legends – Bang Bang remain banned.
This change offers an unparalleled chance for Indian gamers to showcase their skills on a larger platform and strive for medals.
Expressing enthusiasm for the announcement, Lokesh Suji, Director of Esports Federation of India (ESFI) and Vice President of the Asian Esports Federation (AESF), stated, "The OCA’s decision to broaden the Esports program to 11 titles is a remarkable advantage for India. This not only enhances our chances for medals at Aichi-Nagoya 2026, but it also lays the groundwork for increased awareness and participation in new titles among our youth."
Esports is progressively gaining recognition as a competitive discipline within India, as the ESFI actively scouts and fosters emerging talent through various domestic tournaments and qualifiers conducted in recent years.
At the BRICS Esports Championship, India clinched a silver medal in Tekken 8, while at the Asian Esports Games 2024, the nation secured a bronze in eFootball.
"The introduction of new titles at the 2026 Asian Games will entice new talent and generate additional opportunities for Indian gamers to compete at premier levels. It’s a fantastic and positive advancement for esports that will create substantially more competitive prospects in the region," Suji added.
The sport’s rising profile in the region is further bolstered by its inclusion in the 3rd Asian Youth Games in Bahrain (2025) and the inaugural Olympic Esports Games, organized by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) in partnership with Saudi Arabia’s National Olympic Committee, later this year.
