New Delhi, August 28, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Maharashtra Minister and sports administrator Adv. Ashish Shelar has been unanimously elected president of the E Sports Games Federation (ESGF), taking charge of the national organisation working for the promotion and development of esports and Mind Sports in India.
Shelar, who holds the Maharashtra portfolios of Electronics, IT, AI and Cultural Affairs, was elected at the ESGF Board Meeting held in New Delhi on Friday. His name was proposed by ESGF founder and acting president Adv. Nandan Jha and chairperson Ashok Dhyanchand, and seconded by secretary general Gursharan Singh. The proposal received unanimous support from board members and state representatives present at the meeting.
A cricket administrator, Shelar is also a board member of the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) and has previously served as an office-bearer of the Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).
After his election, Shelar thanked the federation’s board members and state representatives and described the new responsibility as an opportunity to give fresh direction to esports in India.
“Esports is developing rapidly in India, and our youth possess immense talent,” he said, adding that around 600 million people in the country are engaged with esports. He also said the Indian esports team is scheduled to travel to Japan in September to participate in the Asian Games.
Shelar said the federation would seek to provide players with better platforms, training, competitions and opportunities for growth.
Jha said Shelar’s leadership would usher in a new era for Indian esports, while Dhyanchand said his association with the emerging sector reflected his commitment to sports.
Gursharan Singh said the federation would focus on national-level competitions, grassroots talent and preparing players for international events, with the objective of strengthening India’s position on the global esports stage.
The ESGF said it has been established as a national organisation for the promotion, regulation and development of esports and Mind Sports in India. It is a member of the Global Esports Federation (GEF) and International Esports Federation (IESF), and is recognised by the Paralympic Committee of India (PCI).
The federation said it works with national and international organisations on responsible gaming, player development and India’s participation in global sporting competitions, while seeking to build a structured and sustainable esports ecosystem.
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