Asian Games 2023 Esports Team India Debut: All You Need To Know
The Asian Games 2023, set to be hosted in Hangzhou, China, will mark a historic moment in the world of esports. Esports, a rapidly growing sector of the gaming industry, is poised to make its official debut as a medal event, following its demonstration appearance in the 2018 edition of the Games. This article provides an in-depth look at Team India’s participation, the esports titles featured, and the athletes set to represent the nation.
Asian Games 2023: Esports Schedule and Venue
The Hangzhou Asian Games, initially slated for September 2022 but postponed due to unforeseen circumstances, are now scheduled to take place from September 23 to October 8, 2023. The esports events will be hosted at the China Hangzhou Esports Centre, a state-of-the-art facility dedicated to competitive gaming. Athletes from various nations will converge here to compete for seven prestigious gold medals across multiple esports titles.
Esports Titles Featured in the Competition
The esports lineup at the 2023 Asian Games includes seven officially recognized titles. These games are:
- Arena of Valor Asian Games Version
- Dota 2
- Dream Three Kingdoms 2
- FIFA Online 4
- League of Legends
- Peace Elite Asian Games Version
- Street Fighter V: Champion Edition
Team India’s Ambitious Participation
India, a nation known for its passion for gaming, will be participating in four of the seven esports titles featured at the Asian Games. The Indian esports contingent will be battling it out in the following games:
- Dota 2
- FIFA Online 4
- League of Legends
- Street Fighter V: Champion Edition
Let’s delve into each of these titles, providing an overview of the game, its format, and the Indian representatives.
Dota 2
Game Type: Team-Based
Dates: September 29 to October 2
Format: Group stage matches will follow a best-of-one (BO1) format, while the quarterfinals, semi-finals, and final will be best-of-three (BO3).
Description: Dota 2, short for Defense of the Ancients 2, is a team-based strategy game where two teams, each comprising five players, battle it out to destroy the enemy’s Ancient structure while defending their own. Players select unique heroes, each with their distinct abilities, attributes, and roles, and collaborate to grow stronger and secure victory.
Indian Dota 2 squad:
Captain: Darshan Bata
Team Members: Krish Gupta, Abhishek Yadav, Ketan Goyal, Shubham Goli
FIFA Online 4
Game Type: Single-player
Dates: September 24 to 27
Format: All matches, including the final, will be played in a best-of-three (BO3) format.
Description: FIFA Online 4 is a virtual football game where players manage teams composed of real-world football players. Matches last approximately 15 minutes, with a halftime break, and the player who scores the most goals wins. Strategic planning, team composition, and player choices are crucial for success.
Indian FIFA Online 4 representatives:
- Charanjot Singh
- Karman Singh Tikka
League of Legends
Game Type: Team-Based
Dates: September 25 to 29
Format: Group stage matches will be best-of-one (BO1), while the knockout stages (quarterfinals, semi-finals, and final) will follow a best-of-three (BO3) format.
Description: League of Legends is a team-based strategy game where players control powerful fantasy characters and collaborate to defeat their opponents by destroying their Nexus structure. Gold earned during the match is used to purchase items, enhancing character abilities and attributes.
Indian League of Legends team:
Captain: Akshaj Shenoy
Team Members: Samarth Arvind Trivedi, Mihir Ranjan, Aditya Selvaraj, Aakash Shandilya, Sanindhya Malik
Street Fighter V: Champion Edition
Game Type: Single-player
Dates: September 26 to 28
Format: All matches, including the final, will be played in a best-of-three (BO3) format.
Description: Street Fighter V is a one-on-one fighting game where players select unique characters, each with their special moves and abilities, and engage in intense battles. Matches typically last 1-2 minutes and end when one player wins two rounds.
Indian Street Fighter V competitors:
- Mayank Prajapati
- Ayan Biswas
The Asian Games 2023 is set to be a momentous occasion for esports, as it takes its place alongside traditional sports as an official medal event. Team India’s participation in four esports titles reflects the country’s growing presence in the global gaming arena. As the competition unfolds, fans and enthusiasts eagerly await to witness history in the making and cheer for their nation’s representatives on the esports stage. The event promises to be a testament to the prowess of Indian gamers and the rapid growth of esports worldwide.
