Indian esports athletes are eagerly preparing to represent their country at the upcoming Hangzhou Asian Games, and they have received a significant boost in the form of special training kits. In a collaborative effort, the Esports Federation of India (ESFI) and the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) have provided these kits to equip the players for the intense competition ahead.

The training kits, crafted by renowned gaming accessories manufacturer Hama, were presented to the athletes during a meetup held at the IOA's office in Delhi. The event saw the presence of accomplished players from different esports titles, including Mayank Prajapati (Street Fighter V), Mihir Ranjan (League of Legends), and Harman Tikka (FIFA 22). Each kit was meticulously designed and comprised cutting-edge gaming peripherals such as a mouse, mousepad, headset, keyboard, and a convenient carry bag.

To mark the occasion, key officials from IOA, ESFI, and the Asian Electronic Sports Federation (AESF) gathered for a meeting with the athletes. The lineup of attendees included Kalyan Chaubey, the acting CEO and joint secretary of IOA, Lokesh Suji, ESFI director and AESF VP, as well as Yugal Sharma and Prabhat Kumar, ESFI Vice Presidents.

Beyond the distribution of training kits, the event served as an opportunity for the Indian esports contingent to engage in a meaningful dialogue with the officials. The discussions centered around motivating the players for the forthcoming competition and charting out strategies to propel the growth of esports in India. The Indian athletes, filled with determination, expressed their commitment to showcase their skills and bring pride to the nation.

The recognition of esports as a multi-sport event by the Government of India in December 2022 has paved the way for the Indian contingent's debut in full-fledged medal sports at the 19th Asian Games in Hangzhou, China. With the objective of preparing the athletes for success on the global stage, ESFI has also partnered with FITGMR to implement a comprehensive training program alongside the provision of the training kits. This holistic approach aims to equip the Indian athletes with the necessary skills and knowledge required to excel in their respective esports disciplines.

As India embraces the potential of esports, Kalyan Chaubey, the joint secretary and acting CEO of IOA, expressed confidence in the bright future of the sport within the country. Chaubey emphasized the IOA's unwavering support for the athletes and ESFI, envisioning a future where India becomes synonymous with esports on the world stage.

With their new state-of-the-art training kits and a focused training program, the Indian esports contingent is poised to leave a lasting impact at the Hangzhou Asian Games. As September approaches, all eyes will be on these talented athletes as they strive to bring home medals and etch their names in the annals of Indian esports history.