New Delhi, July 14, 2024 – A historic convergence of traditional sports and esports took place at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium today, as India celebrated its growing Olympic prowess and the burgeoning esports industry. The “Bharat in Paris” event, organized by UNIV Sportatech, marked a significant milestone in recognizing esports as a mainstream sport and showcased India’s potential on the global sporting stage.
Inspired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of India as a global sports powerhouse, the event aimed to bridge the gap between traditional and digital sports. With esports gaining increasing recognition, including support from the government, the “Bharat in Paris” run and esports tournament highlighted the nation’s commitment to nurturing talent in both domains.
Hon’ble Minister of Textiles, Shri Giriraj Singh, flagged off the inaugural run and emphasized India’s remarkable achievements in sports. He expressed optimism about the potential of esports to contribute to the country’s medal tally in future Olympics. Shri Manoj Tiwari, Hon’ble Member of Parliament, extended his best wishes to the Indian Olympic contingent and commended the growth of esports in India.
UNIV Sportatech, a pioneer in esports policy development, has been instrumental in creating a conducive environment for the esports industry. The event featured a 7km run and esports competitions in BGMI, Chess, and FIFA, with a total prize pool of INR 2,64,000. The esports tournament attracted over 1500 participants from across the country.
Abhishek Issar and Ishan Verma, founders of UNIV Sportatech, expressed their commitment to fostering a vibrant sports and esports ecosystem in India. They highlighted the growing esports market and emphasized the need for talent development programs to position India as a global esports leader.
The “Bharat in Paris” event was a resounding success, bringing together athletes, esports enthusiasts, and policymakers to celebrate India’s sporting spirit and its bright future in both traditional and digital sports.
Key highlights:
- First-of-its-kind event combining traditional sports and esports
- Celebration of India’s Olympic journey and esports growth
- Government support for esports as a mainstream sport
- Focus on talent development and infrastructure building
- Aim to position India as a global leader in sports and esports
