Maharashtra Minister Ashish Shelar Elected President of New Esports Games Federation, Aims to Boost India’s Gaming Scene
Maharashtra’s sports minister Ashish Shelar has been chosen as the head of the newly formed Esports Games Federation (ESGF), a body positioned as a rival to the existing Esports Federation of India. The ESGF plans to accelerate player development, organise more tournaments and push Indian teams onto the global stage.
By SamacharDaily Editorial Team••2 min read
The Esports Games Federation (ESGF) announced on Tuesday that Ashish Shelar, Maharashtra’s minister for sports and youth welfare, has been elected its president. The ESGF, which was launched earlier this year, is being positioned as an alternative to the Esports Federation of India (EFI), the country’s first recognised esports governing body. Shelar’s election was confirmed at a ceremony in Mumbai attended by state officials, representatives of gaming firms and a handful of professional players. In his acceptance speech, Shelar highlighted the rapid growth of competitive gaming in India, noting that the nation now boasts over 30 million active gamers and a burgeoning ecosystem of tournaments, streaming platforms and training academies.
The ESGF’s charter outlines three core pillars: nurturing talent through structured coaching programmes, expanding the domestic competition calendar, and facilitating Indian teams’ participation in international events such as the Asian Games and global esports leagues. The federation also intends to work closely with state governments to create dedicated esports arenas and to lobby for clearer regulatory guidelines on issues like betting, sponsorship and player contracts. By establishing a parallel governing structure, the ESGF hopes to address what its founders see as gaps in EFI’s outreach, especially in tier‑two and tier‑three cities where grassroots participation is still limited.
Industry observers see Shelar’s political clout as a potential catalyst for faster policy decisions. The minister has previously championed sports infrastructure projects in Maharashtra and is now expected to leverage his network to secure funding, corporate partnerships and media coverage for the ESGF’s upcoming initiatives, including a national league slated to launch next year.
Why This Matters
Esports in India is at a tipping point, with revenue forecasts suggesting a market worth over $1 billion by 2025. However, the sector’s fragmented governance has raised concerns among sponsors, broadcasters and athletes about consistency in rules, player welfare and international representation. The ESGF’s emergence, led by a senior government figure, could bring greater legitimacy and resources, encouraging more private investment and helping Indian gamers compete on par with established markets like South Korea and the United States.
Moreover, the rivalry between ESGF and EFI reflects a broader debate on how best to structure sports governance in a digital age. If the ESGF succeeds in delivering more tournaments and clearer pathways for talent, it may pressure the EFI to reform its own operations, ultimately benefiting the entire ecosystem. For aspiring players, clearer regulations and more competitive opportunities could translate into viable career prospects, while for the government, a thriving esports sector aligns with youth employment goals and the push to position India as a hub for emerging technologies.
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•2 min read
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