Industry leaders will unveil an Esports framework recommendation to formalize the industry and strengthen regulations
by Suman Gupta
New Delhi, 26 March 2025 – The Physical Education Foundation of India (PEFI), a National Sports Promotion Organization (NSPO) recognized by the Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports, Government of India, is partnering with KRAFTON India, with Invest India supporting as the knowledge partner, to host the inaugural landmark Esports Conclave 2025 on April 1 in New Delhi. This strategic gathering will unite senior government officials, policymakers, industry leaders, and top-tier esports professionals to shape the future of esports, drive investment opportunities, and foster international collaboration. As India cements its status as one of the fastest-growing esports markets, the conclave will serve as a pivotal moment in driving meaningful conversations, shaping key decisions, and accelerating the nation’s rise as a global esports powerhouse.
With the theme of “Forging the Path to Global Leadership,” the discussions will focus on strengthening India’s roadmap for international tournaments, advancing the growth of the Indian game development ecosystem, and furthering the Aatmanirbhar Bharat vision. It will also explore avenues for catalyzing investments, creating employment opportunities, and expanding esports infrastructure. Additionally, industry leaders will be unveiling an Esports framework recommendation to the government, outlining critical steps needed to further esports as a recognized industry, strengthen its regulatory framework, and position India as a global leader in competitive gaming.
Given the rapid growth and acceptance of Esports in India, there is an urgent need for a greater and stronger regulatory framework to be put in place, one that will include recommendations from all stakeholders – government, policy makers and industry. This, inherently, is the primary reason behind the setting up of landmark conclave.
Dr. Piyush Jain, Secretary, PEFI said, “The upcoming Esports Conclave 2025 will mark a historic milestone in establishing India as a global powerhouse in the world of esports. Esports has evolved into a dynamic and competitive sporting industry with immense potential of growth. This conclave will serve as a catalyst, bringing together industry leaders, gamers, and policymakers to shape the future of esports in India. It will facilitate crucial discussions on policy frameworks, infrastructure, and opportunities for Indian talent on the global stage. PEFI is dedicated to making India a frontrunner in this digital sports revolution and is fully prepared to embrace this new era of competitive gaming.”
Speaking about the event, Sean Hyunil Sohn, CEO, KRAFTON India, said, “Esports is the future of competitive entertainment. With its official recognition in premier sporting events such as the Asian Games and the upcoming Olympic Esports Games 2027, Indian athletes now have the opportunity to compete on the world’s biggest stages. At KRAFTON India, we are committed to fostering a structured, sustainable, and internationally competitive esports ecosystem that empowers players and drives industry growth. Esports Conclave 2025 is a defining moment in this journey, bringing together policymakers, industry pioneers, and esports professionals to shape a long-term vision for India’s Esports industry.”
Akshat Rathee, Co-founder & Managing Director, NODWIN Gaming said “With esports now finding a place in major international sporting events, India has a real shot at becoming a global contender. Esports Conclave 2025 is an important step in that direction – it’s where the right conversations can happen between the industry, government, and other key players. Whether it’s building grassroots programs, improving tournament ecosystems, or integrating esports into initiatives like Khelo India, this platform gives us a chance to align on what the future should look like. The goal is simple: create the structure and support needed for Indian esports talent to thrive on the world stage.”
With the Indian gaming industry expected to reach $7.5 billion by FY28, growing at a CAGR of 20%, Esports is set to become a key driver of the country’s digital economy. By bringing together the brightest minds in policy and industry, Esports Conclave 2025 will serve to cement a strategic vision for the future, marking a milestone moment for the industry.
About PEFI: Physical Education Foundation of India (PEFI) is a leading National Sports Promotion Organization (NSPO) recognized by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, Government of India, and the proud recipient of the Rashtriya Khel Protsahan Puruskar 2024 for its outstanding contribution to sports development.
PEFI is at the forefront of policy advocacy, grassroots sports development, and social impact through sports. It plays a crucial role in shaping national sports policies and holds representation in key government bodies, including the Talent Identification Committee (Ministry of Sports), Governing Body of the Sports Authority of India (SAI), Khelo India Content Development Committee, and the National Sports Governance Bill Task Force.
About KRAFTON, Inc. ; Headquartered in South Korea, KRAFTON, Inc. is dedicated to discovering and publishing captivating games that offer fun and unique experiences. Established in 2007, KRAFTON is home to globally renowned developers that include Striking Distance Studios, Unknown Worlds, VECTOR NORTH, Neon Giant, KRAFTON Montréal Studio, Bluehole Studio, RisingWings, 5minlab, Dreamotion, ReLU Games, Flyway Games, Tango Gameworks and inZOI Studio. Each studio strives to continuously take on new challenges and leverage innovative technologies. Their goal is to win over more fans by broadening KRAFTON’s platforms and services. With a passionate and driven team across the globe, KRAFTON is a tech-forward company that possesses world-cl-ass capabilities and is set on expanding its business horizons to encompass multimedia entertainment and deep learning. For more information, visithttp://www.krafton.com.
About KRAFTON India : In India, KRAFTON is responsible for premier mobile games, including BATTLEGROUNDS MOBILE INDIA (BGMI), which has surpassed 200 million downloads, Bullet Echo India, Road To Valor: Empires, and CookieRun India, among others. Committed to enhancing the start-up ecosystem in India, KRAFTON has invested over $200 million in several Indian startups across interactive entertainment, gaming, Esports, and technology, since 2021. KRAFTON actively supports India’s game development ecosystem through its KRAFTON India Gaming Incubator (KIGI) while strengthening the Esports ecosystem with flagship events like the BATTLEGROUNDS MOBILE INDIA SERIES (BGIS) and BATTLEGROUNDS MOBILE INDIA PRO SERIES (BMPS).
For more information visithttps://krafton.in/
About Invest India: Invest India is the National Investment Promotion and Facilitation Agency of India, set up under the aegis of Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade, Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Government of India. It facilitates and empowers all investors under the ‘Make in India’ initiative to establish, operate, and expand their businesses in India. Invest India is envisaged as a one-stop shop specially created to attract and retain high-quality investments in India.
About NODWIN Gaming: Founded in 2014, NODWIN Gaming, a material subsidiary of Nazara Technologies, is a new-age youth entertainment company and a leader in South Asia’s esports and gaming ecosystem. With a strong presence in tournament organization, gaming content, and esports infrastructure, NODWIN has played a pivotal role in shaping the industry. As a global player, it collaborates with top publishers, brands, and stakeholders to create world-cl-ass gaming experiences and build a thriving esports ecosystem.
