The Impressive TimesNew Delhi, July 4 – Union Minister of State for Youth Affairs and Sports, Raksha Nikhil Khadse, on Friday marked a landmark moment in India’s digital sports journey by attending the Grand Finals of Battlegrounds Mobile India Pro Series (BMPS) 2025 at Yashobhoomi, India International Convention and Expo Centre, Dwarka. Her presence at the prestigious esports event signals the Indian government’s growing recognition of esports as a mainstream sporting discipline.
Organized from July 4 to 6, the high-stakes tournament features 16 of India’s top BGMI teams battling it out for a massive ₹4 crore prize pool. The event showcases India’s top-tier gaming talent and is powered by Krafton India, with Vibhor Kukreti, Head of Government Affairs & CSR, accompanying the minister during the visit.
Touring the venue, Khadse observed the tournament’s state-of-the-art broadcast and logistical setups, interacted with professional gamers, and acknowledged the mental resilience and teamwork required in competitive gaming.
“Esports is inspiring India’s youth to excel in a rapidly evolving digital world,” said Khadse. “Under Prime Minister Modi ji’s vision, the government is committed to building world-class infrastructure and career pathways to ensure Indian talent thrives globally.”
Esports in India has witnessed exponential growth since the official recognition of competitive gaming in December 2022. In a groundbreaking move this year, the Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports extended its cash-incentive scheme to esports athletes and coaches—a privilege previously reserved for Olympic and Commonwealth participants.
With shared regulatory oversight between the Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports and the Ministry of Electronics and IT, India is aligning its policies to nurture digital innovation alongside sporting excellence.
As India prepares for major global events like the Olympic Esports Games 2027 in Saudi Arabia, BMPS 2025 stands as a symbol of how far Indian esports has come. The finals are not just about gameplay—they reflect a cultural shift, encouraging millions of Indian youths to pursue esports professionally, contributing to India’s digital economy and global sporting influence.
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