Esports has officially been recognized as a sport in Nepal, marking a significant milestone in the country's sports history. On March 22, 2024, the Esports Association of Nepal (ESAN) held its first General Assembly, following its official recognition by the Nepal Sports Council as the 209th sports association. This is a pivotal moment that reflects the growing global recognition of esports as a legitimate and competitive form of sports entertainment, aligning Nepal with other countries that have acknowledged its potential and influence.
Official Recognition and Inaugural Assembly
The recognition of ESAN by the Nepal Sports Council comes as a response to the burgeoning global interest in esports and its potential for fostering talent, sportsmanship, and international competition. The General Assembly, a historic gathering for the newly formed association, was chaired by the NSC’s member secretary, Mr. Tanka Lal Ghising, as the Chief Guest. Other Special guests included Hansraj Wagle, Member Secretary of Koshi Province Sports Development Board; Suryalal Bhandari, Member Secretary of Bagmati Provincial Sports Development Council; Gobinda Bhattarai, World Council Member of FIA; Ramji Bahadur Shrestha, Secretary of Nepal Olympic Committee; Samrat Kusari, NSC Board Member, President of Nepal Olympian Association Deepak Bishta; and President of ESAN, Mr. Anjan Dhamala. The event was graced by prominent figures from various sports and Olympic committees, underscoring the significance of this recognition.
Mr. Tanka Lal Ghising expressed optimism regarding esports at the international level during the assembly. He emphasized crafting a strategic plan for ESAN's success. Organized efforts, he noted, were crucial to realize the association's objectives. Provincial sports councils and committees echoed similar sentiments. A shared vision emerged – advancing esports in Nepal.
Formation of the Working Committee
The first General Assembly also saw the election of ESAN’s working committee, a significant step towards formalizing the esports structure in Nepal. Anjan Dhamala was unanimously elected as the president, leading a 21-member committee dedicated to promoting esports across the country. The committee members, elected without opposition, are as follows:
Him Bikram KC as the Senior Vice President
Kalpadeep Rai and Puran Khadka as Vice Presidents
Pawan Karki as the General Secretary
Ashish Dahal and Balkumar KC as Secretaries
Committee Members: Ghanshyam Dhungel, Sajiv Bhattarai, Sijan Bhattarai, Pukar KC, Ghanshyam Pandey, Prajwal Kaderia, Bipul Bhattarai, Mousami Lama, and Bijay Khadka
Further appointments for one vice president, one secretary, and three members will be made based on the president’s proposal, ensuring a comprehensive and inclusive representation within the committee.
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| Esports Association of Nepal General Assembly Elected members
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Nepal’s Position in the Global Esports Arena
With this official recognition, Nepal joins a growing list of countries that have embraced esports as an official sport. This recognition is a testament to the professional structure and immense popularity that esports has gained globally. The very first few nations (along with South Korea) to recognise esports as a sport were China and South Africa. Russia, Italy, Denmark. Ukraine and India were some of the recent countries.
Benefits of Recognizing Esports as a Sport
The official recognition of esports as a sport brings numerous benefits, addressing some of the most pressing issues faced by esports athletes and organizations:
Visa Facilitation: Athletes can now avail of easier visa processes for international competitions, akin to traditional sports athletes. This is a significant boon for esports players who often face challenges in obtaining visas for global events.
Government Support and Funding: With official status, esports associations and players can access government grants, funding, and support for training, development, and participation in international competitions.
Increased Legitimacy and Sponsorship Opportunities: Recognition by the government enhances the legitimacy of esports, attracting more sponsors and partners. This can lead to improved funding, better training facilities, and increased prize pools for tournaments.
Youth Engagement and Development: Recognizing esports opens new avenues for youth engagement, providing a structured environment for developing skills, teamwork, and competition. It also offers career opportunities in various roles within the esports ecosystem.
As stated on the official website of the Esports Association of Nepal (ESAN), the organization is deeply committed to transforming the esports landscape in Nepal into a professional and respected sector. ESAN's mission is clear: to elevate competitive gaming to professional standards, promoting innovation, inclusivity, and excellence. The association seeks to empower players, teams, and stakeholders, facilitating the sustained growth and recognition of esports as a legitimate profession both within the national context and on the global stage. ESAN is not only focused on domestic achievements but also aims to secure major honors internationally, striving for a level of excellence that resonates both within Nepal and across the world.
Furthermore, ESAN's vision, as detailed on their website, is to see Nepal become synonymous with professionalism, integrity, and international competitiveness in the realm of esports. The organization aspires to foster a dynamic and inclusive environment that nurtures talent, celebrates diversity, and provides equal opportunities for everyone involved. By positioning Nepal as a hub of esports excellence, ESAN aims to make significant contributions to the global esports community, upholding the highest values of sportsmanship, fair play, and innovation. With a global perspective, ESAN is dedicated to bringing home prestigious honors, thereby solidifying Nepal's presence in the international esports arena.
The Future of Esports in Nepal: A New Horizon
With the Nepal Government and the National Sports Council officially recognizing esports, the landscape of competitive gaming in Nepal is poised for unprecedented growth and success. The establishment of the Esports Association of Nepal (ESAN) and its inaugural working committee heralds a new era in the strategic development of esports in the country. This recognition not only validates the passion and dedication of countless gamers and enthusiasts but also sets the stage for a more organized and professional esports ecosystem. This historic milestone enhances Nepal's potential to host significant esports events, such as the PMSL (PUBG Mobile Super League) Central South Asia Spring 2024. The official recognition of esports by the Nepali authorities improves the chances dramatically for Nepal to be considered as a prestigious venue for such a renowned international competition in April/May. This development is not merely about giving esports in Nepal the legitimacy it deserves but also about tapping into the vast potential of digital sportsmanship, showcasing the skills and dedication of Nepali esports athletes on a global platform.
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