ESGF Founder Adv. Nandan Jha and Honorary Chairperson Ashok Dhyanchand proposed Shelar’s name, while Secretary General Gursharan Singh seconded the proposal, which received unanimous support.
BY PC Bureau
August 28, 2026: Noted sports administrator and Minister of Electronics, IT, AI and Cultural affairs in the Government of Maharashtra and Board member Asian Cricket Council, Adv. Ashish Shelar, will head the E Sports Games Federation (ESGF).
Just like traditional sports, Esports holds immense potential for India’s tech-savvy youth
With over 52 crore gamers in India, Esports is no longer just gaming; it is a serious arena of skill, discipline, competition and career opportunities. Glad to take up the responsibility… pic.twitter.com/5wG4LjUm2U
— Adv. Ashish Shelar – ॲड. आशिष शेलार (@ShelarAshish) August 28, 2026
Shelar was elected president at the ESGF Board Meeting of ESGF held in New Delhi on August 28, 2026. His name was proposed by ESGF Founder and Acting President Adv. Nandan Jha and Honorary Chairperson Ashok Dhyanchand. The proposal was seconded by ESGF Secretary General Gursharan Singh. The proposal received unanimous support from all the members and State Representatives present at the meeting.
The meeting also discussed important measures for the growth of the Esports ecosystem in India, ESGF’s upcoming initiatives and giving a new direction to the development of esports in India.
After being elected as President, Adv. Ashish Shelar expressed his gratitude to the Board members and State Representatives of the Federation. He said the position was not merely a responsibility but an opportunity to give a new direction to the growth of esports in India.
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“Esports is developing rapidly in India and our youth possess immense talent. Around 600 million people in our country are engaged with esports. Next month, in September, the Indian esports team will travel to Japan to participate in the Asian Games. Our endeavour will be to provide players with better platforms, training, competitions and opportunities for growth,” he said.
Just like traditional sports, Esports holds immense potential for India’s tech-savvy youth
With over 52 crore gamers in India, Esports is no longer just gaming; it is a serious arena of skill, discipline, competition and career opportunities. Glad to take up the responsibility… pic.twitter.com/0O3kYbVevL
— Adv. Ashish Shelar – ॲड. आशिष शेलार (@ShelarAshish) August 28, 2026
Congratulating Ashish Shelar on his election, ESGF Founder and Acting President Adv. Nandan Jha said, “Under your guidance, India will see the new era of esports. We will work together with players, organisers, coaches and other stakeholders to build a strong esports ecosystem in India. Not only nationally but with your vision and support the Indian esports will lead the global charge as well.”
A new responsibility, a shared opportunity!
Happy to be a part of India’s growing Esports family as President of Esports Games Federation. Together, let’s build an Esports ecosystem that empowers every gamer, publisher, technology partner and young talent to grow and succeed.… pic.twitter.com/ijUyQq1UB7
— Adv. Ashish Shelar – ॲड. आशिष शेलार (@ShelarAshish) August 28, 2026
On the occasion, Ashok Dhyanchand congratulated Ashish Shelar and said, “Your association with the emerging esports sector in India reflects your commitment to the world of sports. Your leadership will bring new energy and confidence among esports players and everyone associated with the sector.”
ESGF Secretary General Gursharan Singh extended his best wishes to Ashish Shelar and said that under his leadership, the Federation would work towards establishing India as a strong and competitive nation on the global esports stage. He added that special emphasis would be placed on promoting national-level competitions, providing opportunities to grassroots talent and preparing players for international competitions.
The office bearers, board members and State Representatives present at the Board Meeting congratulated Ashish Shelar on his new responsibility and expressed their commitment to working together under his leadership for the growth and development of Indian esports.
Heartiest congratulations to Shri Ashish Shelar Ji on being elected as the President of the E Sports Games Federation (ESGF). 🇮🇳🎮
His election is a remarkable step towards shaping the future of esports in India. With his leadership and vision, we are confident that Indian… pic.twitter.com/6tj2JjlSIB
— E Sports Games Federation (@ESGFederation) August 28, 2026
Members Present at the Board Meeting
The Board Meeting was attended by Advocate Nandan Jha; Ashok Dhyanchand; Retd. IAS Shankar Agarwal, former President, ESGF; Padma Bhushan Satpal Singh, Vice President; Gursharan Singh; Dr. Gulshan Rai, Chairman, Cyber Committee, ESGF; Padma Shri Sudha Singh, Advisor, ESGF; Advocate Debi Prasad Dash, Advisor, ESGF; Retd. IRS Sushant Kumar Panda, Advisor, ESGF; Abhijit Sarkar, Chairman, Media and Communication, ESGF; Gaurav Dhyan Chand, CEO, ESGF; Naveen Upadhyay, Member, ESGF; Dilawar Singh, Member, ESGF; Ashish Kulkarni, Member, ESGF; Md. Irfan Ahmad, Representative, Delhi State Federation; Karishma Samat, Representative, Maharashtra State Federation along with State Representatives from 20 states, including Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, Delhi, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Rajasthan, Kerala, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Punjab and Himachal Pradesh.
About ESGF
The E Sports Games Federation (ESGF) is a national organisation working towards the promotion, regulation and development of esports and Mind Sports in India. ESGF is a member of the Global Esports Federation (GEF) and the International Esports Federation (IESF) and is recognised by the Paralympic Committee of India (PCI).
The Federation works with national and international organisations to promote responsible gaming, player development and India’s participation in global sporting competitions, while contributing to the development of a structured and sustainable esports ecosystem in the country.
