AESF President praises India’s WAVES Esports Championship and ESFI’s efforts

The Asian Electronic Sports Federation (AESF) has praised India’s recent efforts to strengthen its presence in global esports, highlighting the successful execution of the inaugural WAVES Esports Championship (WESC) held earlier this year in Mumbai.

Speaking at the 5th AESF Executive Board Meeting in Bangkok, AESF President Santi Lothong commended the Esports Federation of India (ESFI) for organizing WESC as part of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting’s WAVES (World Audio Visual & Entertainment Summit) held in earlier this year.

The championship, conducted from May 1 to 4, 2025, marked India’s first international esports event hosted on home soil and saw the country secure its first gold medals in global esports competition.

“The WAVES Esports Championship demonstrates India’s growing focus on integrating technology with sports and empowering its youth through esports,” Lothong said. He noted that the event was aligned with the country’s broader efforts to support innovation and international collaboration.

In response, Lokesh Suji, Vice President of South Asia at AESF and Director of ESFI, stated that the recognition from AESF validates India’s potential as a serious esports nation. “WESC proved what can be achieved when talent, vision, and institutional support come together. We thank the Government of India, our partners, and the athletes for this achievement,” Suji said.

ESFI has also been active in sending athletes to other international competitions, including the Asian Games, the Commonwealth Esports Championship, and the World Esports Championships. Officials said these efforts underline a long-term goal of developing a globally competitive esports ecosystem in India.

The AESF noted that it remains supportive of initiatives across Asia that promote competitive excellence and engage youth through structured, inclusive esports development.