PT Usha Honors Indian Esports Champions, Signals New Era for Digital Sports
PT Usha honors India’s top esports athletes at WAVES, marking a major step in IOA’s official support for digital sports.
In a landmark step for Indian esports, legendary athlete and President of the Indian Olympic Association PT Usha has officially recognized and felicitated top Indian esports athletes, putting a major spotlight on India’s booming digital sports scene. The event, held at SAI headquarters in New Delhi, celebrated the medalists of the WAVES Esports Championship, which is India’s first government-backed national esports tournament.
This gathering didn’t just honor a few wins, but it also symbolized India’s growing recognition of esports as a legitimate, competitive sport, backed by both the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting and the Indian Olympic Association (IOA).
Meet India’s New Digital Champions
The esports athletes who received this rare honor included:
- Danial Patel – Gold medalist in eFootball
- Tejaskumar Hasmukhbhai Bhoi – Gold medalist in World Cricket Championship 3
- Pavan Kampelli – Bronze medalist in eFootball at the Asian Esports Games in Bangkok
These players didn’t just win medals, but they’ve elevated India’s global presence in competitive gaming, proving that our esports talent is ready to stand tall on the world stage.
PT Usha’s Message: “India’s Esports Future is Bright”
PT Usha, who is one of India’s greatest sporting icons, didn’t mince words when praising these champions. She said the interaction was "truly inspiring" and likened their dedication to that of any top-level athlete.
“The discipline and excellence shown by these athletes mirror that of any traditional sportsperson,” she said. “India’s esports future lies in capable hands.”
She also gave a nod to Prime Minister Modi for his role in recognizing esports as a serious domain and creating platforms like WAVES, which help highlight India’s digital strengths. PT Usha promised that the Indian Olympic Association stands behind esports athletes, supporting them as they forge new paths for India in the global sporting arena, which is a big step.
The Players Reacttion
The athletes, who were clearly moved by the recognition, shared heartfelt reactions:
Danial Patel (eFootball Gold)
“Meeting PT Usha ma’am was surreal. Her encouragement gave me a new sense of pride in what we do. Esports is growing rapidly, and we’re only scratching the surface of India’s global potential.”
Tejaskumar Bhoi (WCC3 Gold)
“It’s an honor to represent India and be recognized by a legend like PT Usha. The support from platforms like WAVES is critical. With continued guidance, India can become a global powerhouse in esports.”
Pavan Kampelli (eFootball Bronze, Asian Esports Games)
“Today was not just about medals, but about validation. PT Usha’s words reaffirmed that esports athletes are seen, heard, and celebrated in India. The future is digital, and India is ready.”
Esports Going Mainstream in India
Lokesh Suji, Director of the Esports Federation of India (ESFI) and Vice President of the Asian Esports Federation, also took to calling this moment “historic” and emphasizing the growing mainstream acceptance of esports.
“Seeing our WAVES champions acknowledged by Padma Shri PT Usha ji is a moment of immense pride. It sends a strong message to the youth. that esports can be a respected, viable career path with the right discipline and focus.”
Suji also highlighted how government support, IOA recognition, and backing from sporting legends are accelerating the growth of Indian esports, providing momentum for players to not just dream, but also compete on the global stage.
What’s Next for Indian Esports?
This felicitation isn’t just a photo-op, it’s a signal that esports is here to stay. With increased institutional support, growing public interest, and rising international success, India’s esports athletes now have stronger backing than ever.
Platforms like WAVES, global tournaments like the Asian Esports Games, and now official recognition from the IOA pave the way for even bigger opportunities in the future, also including possible representation in Olympic-style events. And as the ecosystem matures, we may see esports education, grassroots talent programs, and government-backed training facilities become the norm.
