In a significant stride towards revolutionizing the Indian esports and online skill gaming landscape, the SOG Federation (SOGF) has launched the first-ever Online Skill Games and E-sports Olympiad.
After the formal announcement was made at the Power Corridor’s National Economic Conclave 2024, New Delhi, in the presence of the then Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports, Anurag Thakur, the SOG Federation has officially announced the Olympiad’s structure and their future plans. This pioneering event is set to identify and nurture grassroots talent, providing recognition and preparing Indian gamers for future international events.
The industry body announced its plans across its social media platforms, including details of the Olympiad structure, games included in the initial list, and their Olympic mission. Furthermore, PM Modi’s new-found affection for the online gaming industry is one of the most significant achievements of the SOG Federation and the entire gaming sector, which seeks the government’s support to fire all the growth engines.
SOGF’s Online Skill Games Olympiad: A New Era for Indian Online Skill Games
The SOG Federation has always championed the promotion, regulation, and leadership of the online gaming industry in India. This new Olympiad initiative aligns with the federation’s mission to elevate Indian online skill games and esports to global standards. With the inclusion of esports in the Asian Games and recognition by the International Olympic Committee (IOC), this event is timely and visionary.
The SOG Olympiad will initially feature five games: Rummy, Chess, Bridge, Poker, and Ludo. Rummy, a highly skilled game, has been selected as the inaugural game, with a unique two-tier structure comprising the Zonal and National Olympiad.
The Zonal Olympiad will be conducted across six regions in India: Northern, Central, Southern, Western, Eastern, and North-Eastern Zones. The Western Zone, which includes Maharashtra, Gujarat, and Goa, will host the first Zonal Olympiad. SOGF has partnered with a leading rummy platform to ensure a seamless and fair competition experience.
Players will first compete in online qualifiers within their zones. The top players from these qualifiers will advance to physical events hosted by SOGF in their respective zones. These events will involve multiple rounds of intense competition, culminating in selecting a Zonal Rummy Champion. This process will be replicated across all six zones, ensuring that the best talent from each region is identified and nurtured.
The champions from each zone will then converge for the National Rummy Olympiad. This grand event will follow a similar competitive structure, where the top players will face off in challenging rounds. The ultimate victor will be the National Rummy Olympiad Champion, earning never-seen-before recognition and opportunities to compete on international platforms.
SOGF’s initiative goes beyond organizing competitions; it creates a sustainable ecosystem where gamers can thrive. By investing significant time, money, and manpower, SOGF aims to nurture Indian gamers, providing them with the training, resources, and opportunities needed to compete at the highest levels. This structured approach ensures that Indian talent is discovered and developed to meet international standards.
Embracing Olympic Ethos and Future International Success
This Olympiad is not just about competition; it embodies the Olympic ethos ingrained in the SOG Federation’s By-Laws. The federation aims to teach the Olympic spirit of excellence, friendship, and respect in online gaming and e-sports. By following these principles, SOGF aims to prepare Indian gamers for future international events, setting the stage for global recognition and success. Another primary aim of the federation is to reclaim skilled games from malpractices like gambling and promote only fair, ethical, and responsible gaming practices.
The SOG Federation’s commitment to ethical gaming, fair play, and player protection is unwavering. Their upcoming certification and online gaming standards charter will also ensure that all gaming platforms adhere to the highest security, fairness, and integrity levels in Indian territory. This dedication to maintaining the highest standards sets SOGF apart as a leader in the online gaming sector.
A Pathbreaking Initiative for Indian Gamers
The Online Skill Games Olympiad and Esports Olympiad are more than just a series of tournaments; it is a visionary project aimed at transforming the online gaming sector in India. By creating structured pathways and competitive opportunities, SOGF lays the groundwork for a future where Indian esports athletes can shine globally.
Shankar Agarwal, President of the SOG Federation, stated, “The SOGF Board strongly believes that together, we will change the face of the online gaming sector in India. By creating structured pathways and competitive opportunities, we are paving the way for a brighter future for Indian gamers. This Olympiad is just the beginning, and we are excited to see the incredible talent that will emerge from this initiative.”
As SOGF continues to innovate and expand its initiatives, the future of online gaming in India looks promising. The federation’s unwavering commitment to ethical gaming, player protection, and career development sets a new standard for the industry. The Esports and Online Skill Games Olympiad is poised to become a cornerstone in this journey, showcasing the best Indian talent and setting the stage for global recognition.
