India, Oct. 3 -- For decades, gaming in India has lived in the shadows, often dismissed as a mere hobby. That narrative is finally changing. The Indian government has officially recognized esports as a sport and has set up an Online Gaming Authority to govern and support the industry. This will bring structure, legitimacy, and growth. For players who have toiled to train, for fans who have built communities, and for creators who have built gaming culture, this is the beginning of something new where esports in India will get the respect and recognition it always deserved.

After years of discussion and confusion, players have got what they were waiting for for esports in India: official government recognition from the Ministry of Youth Af...