3rd Asian Youth Games 2025 to Feature Esports as Official Medal Event

In a landmark decision, esports will debut as an official medal event at the 3rd Asian Youth Games (AYG), scheduled to take place in Bahrain from October 22 to 31, 2025.

The event will feature three globally recognized titles—eFootball, Street Fighter, and Rocket League—with competitions held in both boys’ and girls’ categories.

In a broader sense, AYG 2025 will include 24 sports disciplines, and for the first time, esports is part of the official medal tally.

Governed by the Asian Electronic Sports Federation (AESF), the esports segment will be open to participants aged 15 to 18 as of December 31, 2025.

What It Means for Indian Esports

India’s esports scene has traditionally been dominated by mobile titles like BGMI and Free Fire, but the focus on PC-based games at AYG—eFootball, Street Fighter, and Rocket League—signals a paradigm shift.

Earlier this year, the Khelo India Youth Games featured esports as demonstration sports, including Street Fighter 6 and eFootball, giving grassroots gamers a glimpse of the big stage. Now, with these titles being recognised internationally, India's young esports talent has a clearer path to global competition.

Animesh Agarwal, Co-founder and CEO of S8UL, celebrated the announcement, stating: “It’s a proud moment to see esports take the global stage at the Asian Youth Games with titles like Street Fighter, eFootball, and Rocket League being officially recognised."

S8UL is set to represent India in 8 titles at the Esports World Cup 2025 in Riyadh, further solidifying India’s standing on the global esports stage.

Esports on Track for Asian Games 2026

Looking ahead, India is also preparing for the Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya (2026), where 11 esports titles will be official medal events. After a modest showing at the 2022 edition, India aims for a stronger performance next year, backed by more structured training and wider recognition.