Marking a key moment for Indian participation, the Esports Games Federation (ESGF) presented national jerseys to players competing in DOTA 2 and Clash Royale.
BY PC Bureau
March 19, 2026: The Global Esports Games Mumbai opened with a vibrant ceremony on Thursday, organised by the Global Esports Federation (GEF) in association with the Government of Maharashtra, coinciding with the festival of Gudi Padwa.
Marking a key moment for Indian participation, the Esports Games Federation (ESGF) presented national jerseys to players competing in DOTA 2 and Clash Royale, underscoring India’s growing presence on the global esports stage. The gesture is expected to boost morale as Indian athletes prepare to face top international competitors.
Adding to the event’s significance, Adv. Nandan Jha, Senior Advisor to the GEF and President of ESGF, spoke at a high-level panel discussion, focusing on the rapid growth of esports, the need for robust regulatory frameworks, and India’s emerging role in the global ecosystem.
In a major step toward international collaboration, India and Brazil exchanged Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) to establish a bilateral Nations Cup in esports. The partnership aims to promote talent exchange, expand competitive opportunities, and strengthen esports infrastructure in both countries.
“We are grateful to the Government of Maharashtra for supporting esports and driving such initiatives. We also thank the GEF for bringing international athletes and delegations to India. With continued support, we are confident India will emerge as a global leader in esports,” Jha said.
The India jersey distribution ceremony for our Dota 2 and Clash Royale athletes was held in the esteemed presence of global leadership from the Global Esports Federation. https://t.co/F8hFPkis5Z
— E Sports Games Federation (@ESGFederation) March 19, 2026
Melita N. Moore, Vice President of the GEF, praised ESGF’s efforts, saying the federation’s initiatives are helping shape India’s esports landscape. She also expressed interest in developing esports content inspired by Indian historical narratives.
The opening ceremony set the tone for a forward-looking event, highlighting India’s ambitions to position itself as a key hub for esports and digital sports innovation.
About Esports Games Federation (ESGF)
The Esports Games Federation (ESGF) is a non-profit national body focused on the promotion, development, and governance of esports and mind sports in India. It is affiliated with the Global Esports Federation (GEF) and the International Esports Federation (IESF), and is recognised by the International Mind Sports Association (IMSA).
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ESGF is also authorised by the Paralympic Committee of India (PCI) to promote para esports, enabling greater inclusion of athletes with disabilities.
The federation is led by Founder and President Adv. Nandan Jha, Honorary Chairperson Ashok Dhyanchand, and Secretary General Gursharan Singh, supported by an advisory board comprising former judges, senior bureaucrats, journalists, and legal experts.
