Olympic Esports Games Will Elevate Status Of The Sport: ESFI Chief

13.07.2024 - 00:21 sports.ndtv.com

The Esports Federation of India (ESFI) director Lokesh Suji on Friday welcomed the International Olympic Committee's decision to host the Olympic Esports Games next year, saying that it will elevate the status of the rapidly-growing game and bring "greater opportunity" to the players.

The IOC has announced a partnership with the National Olympic Committee (NOC) of Saudi Arabia to organise the inaugural Olympic Esports Games in 2025.

The IOC has followed up on its previous announcement that its Executive Board had laid the groundwork for a standalone multi-national event in the form of the Olympic Esports Games.

A proposal will be floated in the upcoming IOC session on the eve of the Paris Olympics, where the venue, timings, titles to be included and the qualification process will be revealed for the Olympic Esports Games. "This decision marks a significant milestone in the global recognition and growth of esports, providing a prestigious platform for athletes from around the world to showcase their skills on an unparalleled stage," said Suji, who is also the vice-president of the Asian Esports Federation (AESF). "Finally, esports at the Olympics — this is the news we have all been waiting for.

Other sports Sporting UPS Provident Paris Olympics International India Saudi Arabia

Badminton legend and ace shuttler PV Sindhu's mentor, Prakash Padukone believes that India have a strong chance of bagging three medals in badminton in the Paris Olympics including a hat-trick of medals for Sindhu. India has sent a seven-member badminton squad including the high-flying men's doubles pair of Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty and double Olympic medallist Sindhu. Padukone said Sindhu is faring well for her historic third consecutive Olympic medal in Paris.

Who Is Ankita Bhakat: Indian Archer Who Impressed Early At Paris Olympics 2024

Ankita Bhakat started India's campaign at the Paris Olympics 2024 on a positive note as the 26-year-old helped her team qualify directly to the quarterfinals of women's archery. Bhakat was the top performer among the three Indian archers in the event as she finished 11th with 666 points. The tally was much better than Bhajan Kaur (22nd with 659 points) and former World No.1 Deepika Kumari (23rd with 658 points). India finished fourth with 1983 points behind South Korea (2046), China (1996) and Mexico (1986) to secure their spot directly in the quarterfinals of the competition at the Olympics 2024. Ankita grabbed the headlines on Day 1 as she was able to produce her season's best performance.

Olympics 2024: India Qualify For Women's Team Quarters, Ankita Bhakat Best-Placed Archer In 11th

Debutant Ankita Bhakat left behind seasoned campaigners like Deepika Kumar to emerge as the best-placed Indian archer at 11th in the Paris Olympics' women's individual recurve qualifications as the country secured a quarterfinal spot in the team event by finishing fourth here on Thursday. The 26-year-old Ankita was the top-ranked Indian woman with 666 points, followed by Bhajan Kaur (22nd with 559 points) and Deepika Kumari (23rd with 658 points). In the team event, India grabbed the fourth spot by scoring 1983 points. South Korea topped the standings with 2046 points. China finished runners-up while Mexico grabbed the third spot.

"Can't Predict Anything": India Men's Hockey Coach Craig Fulton On Paris Olympics 2024 Chances

Building trust was a key target area for India's men's hockey coach Craig Fulton when he took over last year and as the team lands in Paris, hoping to better the Olympic bronze achieved in Tokyo, the South African is confident that his efforts will yield the desired results. Since taking over 14 months back, my main focus has been on building trust among the group," Fulton told PTI in an exclusive interview from the Paris Games Village.

"Expecting A Lot From Captain Harmanpreet Singh: Hockey India Chief Diliip Tirkey Ahead Of Paris Olympics

Former captain and Hockey India president Dilip Tirkey has high hopes from skipper Harmanpreet Singh at the Paris Olympics, saying if the star drag-flicker is on song there is no reason why the country cannot change the colour of the medal at the quadrennial showpiece event. India had defeated Germany to clinch the bronze medal after 41 years at the Tokyo Olympics in 2021. Expectations are high from the Harmanpreet-led side to better its performance at the Paris Games, starting July 26.

"Can't Predict Anything": India Men's Hockey Coach Craig Fulton On Paris Olympics 2024 Chances