The SOG Federation (Skillhub Online Games Federation) is a pivotal entity in India’s burgeoning online gaming sector. As a not-for-profit organization, SOG Federation is dedicated to transforming India into a global leader in the online gaming industry. The Federation’s mission encompasses promoting, regulating, and leading the sector with integrity, aligning itself with the principles of ethical, fair, and responsible gaming.
Vision and Mission
The SOG Federation’s vision is to become the driving force behind the development of India’s online gaming sector. It aims to establish a robust and universal certification regime that ensures all gaming platforms in India adhere to the highest standards of safety, fairness, and enjoyment for all participants.
The mission of the SOG Federation includes the following key objectives:
– Empowering Gamers: Through competitive play, the Federation seeks to empower gamers, providing them with opportunities to excel and develop their skills.
– Fostering Inclusivity: The Federation aims to create a supportive and inclusive gaming environment, welcoming gamers from all backgrounds and skill levels.
– Empowering Youth: The Federation also adds upto the enhancement of the cognitive abilities and bringing out the potential Talent of youth into the online gaming for global recognitions of the nation.
– Promoting Fair Play and Sportsmanship: SOG Federation is committed to upholding the principles of fair play and sportsmanship in all its activities.
– Organizing Top-Tier Events: The Federation is dedicated to organizing premier gaming tournaments and events that bring together the best talent from across the nation.
– Connecting Gamers: The Federation strives to create a community where gamers can connect, share experiences, and grow together.
SOG Federation Board of Members
The SOG Federation (Skillhub Online Games Federation) proudly presents its distinguished Board Members, a collective of eminent leaders and trailblazers who have contributed significantly to India’s judiciary, government, and sports. This esteemed panel is dedicated to steering the organization with unparalleled integrity, vision, and expertise.
Advisor in Chief
Justice K.G. Balakrishnan
37th Chief Justice of India & Former Chairman NHRC India, brings his profound legal acumen and distinguished career to the Federation. As an Independent Director, he ensures the organization upholds the highest standards of justice and governance.
Chairperson of Ethics Committee
Justice Gyan Sudha Misra
Former Judge, Supreme Court of India, and an Independent Director of the Federation, Justice Misra’s commitment to ethical practices and her illustrious legal career fortify the organization’s ethical compass.
President
Shri Shankar Aggarwal (Retd. IAS)
Former Union Secretary for the Ministries of Women & Child Development, Urban Development, Labour & Employment, and Defense, brings a wealth of governmental experience, shaping the Federation’s strategic direction.
Vice Presidents
Shri Satpal Singh (Padma Bhushan)
Renowned Wrestling Coach and Former Wrestler of India, Shri Singh’s leadership is vital in fostering a spirit of excellence within the Federation.
Shri Ashok Dhyanchand
Olympic Medalist, Arjuna Awardee, and Former International Hockey Player, contributes his athletic prowess and sportsmanship to the Federation’s endeavors.
Smt. Sudha Singh (Padma Shri)
Indian Olympic Athlete, whose exemplary achievements inspire the Federation’s pursuit of greatness in the sports arena.
Secretary General
Shri Gursharan Singh
Member of the Asian Paralympic Committee and Former Secretary General of the Paralympic Committee of India, his experience with Paralympic sports adds a valuable perspective to the Federation’s inclusivity initiatives.
Chairman of Cyber Committee
Dr. Gulshan Rai
Former National Cyber Security Coordinator, Chief CERT-IN, and Chief Information Security Officer at the PMO, Govt. of India, brings his expertise to fortify the Federation’s digital infrastructure and cybersecurity policies.
Founder & Advisor
Adv. Nandan Jha
Secretary General of Gandhi Mandela Foundation, Chairman of IFIE, Founder of Champions of Change Awards, and Partner at Dash & Jha Law, is the visionary force behind the Federation’s establishment and its guiding light.
Advisors
Susanta Kumar Panda (Retd. IRS)
Chief Commissioner, Service Tax, Former Member CBIC, Former Chief Commissioner, Indirect Tax & Customs, Former Special Director, Directorate of Enforcement, offers his comprehensive understanding of fiscal governance and regulatory frameworks.
Shri Neeraj Kumar Gupta (Retd. IAS)
Former Union Secretary for the Ministry of Defence, and Central Information Commissioner of India, whose distinguished career in public service enhances the Federation’s strategic leadership.
Chief Executive Officer
Sibtain Baqri
Former COO of Pune Warriors India and CSO for MotoGP Bharat, drives the Federation’s operational excellence with his extensive experience in sports management.
Chief Operating Officer
Ayush VermaÂ
A dedicated communications and media professional, with a decade long experience in covering individual and multi-sport events. His leadership drives the federation’s efforts to enhance visibility and engagement in the sports community.
Treasurer
Dr. Payal GawandeÂ
Dr. Payal Gawande, as Treasurer of the SOG Federation, manages the organization’s financial planning and budgeting, ensuring fiscal responsibility and transparency. Her expertise safeguards the federation’s financial health and supports its growth initiatives.
Joint Secretary
Ms. Ayushi Malviya
Senior Executive Vice President of Gandhi Mandela Foundation and Senior Vice President of Champions of Change Award Committee, plays a pivotal role in the Federation’s administrative and organizational functions.
Together, this illustrious Board, rich in experience and expertise, stands committed to advancing the mission of the SOG Federation, setting new benchmarks in the world of online gaming and sports.
Alignment with IT Laws and National Sports Development Code
The SOG Federation operates in alignment with the progressive guidelines set forth in the IT Laws 2023 by the Government of India. These laws provide a framework for regulating the online gaming sector, ensuring that it operates within legal boundaries while promoting ethical practices.
Moreover, the SOG Federation is the only online gaming federation in India that aligns itself with the Olympic and Paralympic movement’s mission and vision. This alignment reflects the Federation’s commitment to fostering a culture of inclusivity, excellence, and fair play, much like the values championed by these global sports movements.
The Federation also adheres to the National Sports Development Code, further emphasizing its dedication to ethical standards and the promotion of sportsmanship.
Ethical and Responsible Gaming
At the heart of the SOG Federation’s values is a commitment to ethical, fair, and responsible gaming. The Federation aims to set the standard for certification across all gaming platforms in India, ensuring that every game and every player experiences a safe and enjoyable environment. This commitment extends to game developers and operators, whom the Federation encourages to adopt and uphold the highest standards of integrity.
Industry Impact and Economic Contribution
The SOG Federation plays a crucial role in streamlining the online gaming industry in India, which is currently valued at approximately $2.2 billion. By fostering game development within the country and promoting a universal certification regime, the Federation not only boosts the industry’s growth but also contributes to the broader economy.
The Future of Online Gaming
The SOG Federation is at the forefront of redefining the future of online gaming in India. Through its initiatives and adherence to international standards of gaming excellence, the Federation aims to position India as a global leader in the online gaming sector.
The SOG Federation is more than just an organization; it is a movement that blends passion with purpose, driving the transformation of India’s online gaming landscape and setting new benchmarks for the industry.
