According to a press release by Electronic Sports Federation of India (ESFI), the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) and Asian Electronic Sports Federation (AESF) have confirmed the introduction of a new program, ‘Road to Asian Games’ for the 2022 Asian Games. The AESF will be the exclusive organizer of ‘Road to Asian Games’ and will be the first of its kind to bring fair and equal opportunities to publishers and bring advanced Esports development not just in Asia but around the world. The campaign will also introduce an education program for participating E sports athletes to share Olympic Movement and Values throughout the world. Grassroot development, inclusion programs, career pathways, health and wellbeing support as well as the rights and protection of athletes will be the key area of focus. Here’s what Mr. Lokesh Suji, Director of ESFI and Vice President of AESF had to say, “Electronic Sports Federation of India (ESFI) is a full member of the Asian body-Asian Electronic Sports Federation (AESF) and as a member nation, we are extremely proud and applaud this joint initiative. As much as I personally congratulate the sustained efforts put by our President Mr Kenneth Fok and the entire AESF team. This is also an opportune time for the Indian esports athletes to be more conscious and be part of the Championships organised by ESFI and help us to make the national ranking scrims/tournaments more wholesome and meaningful in terms of not only being extremely competitive but also reaching out to the talented esports athletes across the country who are looking for opportunities to play for India and represent at the highest platforms including Asian Games in the coming times. We are at the moment also waiting for the game titles to be announced so that we can start the Scrim tournaments for the same in India too.” An official signing ceremony was held to officialise the partnership for the ‘Road to Games’ campaign and the confirmation of the roles & responsibilities of the AESF with OCA Director General Dr. Husain A H Z Al-Musallam, OCA Director of Sports Mr. Haider A H E Farman, AESF President Mr. Kenneth Fok, and AESF Director General Mr. Sebastian Lau in attendance. Here’s what Director General of OCA, Dr. Husain A H Z Al-Musallam said, “It is a great pleasure to officially announce our partnership between OCA and AESF for the new Esports program for our Asian Games and OCA will provide full support for successful Esports events at the 19th Asian Games in Hangzhou, China. We wish the best to our partner AESF on the journey ahead.” In a speech during the signing, Mr. Fok, AESF President said, “I would like to express our sincere appreciation for the continuous support and trust from the OCA. I believe that the Asian Games presents the best stage for us to share Olympic Values with the Esports community and we aim to make our Esports communities develop further through this opportunity. Also, we look forward to a successful collaboration with OCA as well as LOC.” Speaking about AESF’s role and responsibility, OCA’s Director of Sports Mr. Haider A H E Farman added, “Leading up to the Asian Games, the Asian Electronic Sports Federation will have the leading role and take full responsibility in the selection of esports titles in collaboration with the OCA. From the qualifying rounds to the grand finals of each esports event, rest assured that the OCA and AESF, together with LOC will work hand-in-hand, ensuring successful esports events for the 19th Asian Games Hangzhou 2022.” Conveying his gratitude during the ceremony, AESF Director General Mr. Sebastian Lau said, “As the Asian Federation, the AESF is honoured to be organizing the esports qualifiers and the Technical Delegate for the upcoming Asian Games. We will start from Hangzhou, and I am looking forward to exploring more opportunities together with all of you and make the evolution of esports further in Nagoya 2026, Doha 2030 and beyond.” The ‘Road to Asian Games’ partnership summary Esports Event Title Selection The Esports event titles for the qualifiers and finals of the 2022 Asian Games will be selected by the AESF in collaboration with the OCA. Eligibility and Participating Teams The AESF will be responsible for identifying the finalists through regional qualifiers of respective esports titles leading up to the 2022 Asian Games in Hangzhou, China. Qualifiers and Finals The structure of the qualifying and final tournament will be formed by the AESF for all esports events. The qualifiers of all participating Asian countries will be collaborated with the OCA at the 2022 Asian Games in Hangzhou, China. Community Outreach Program AESF will deliver and execute the AESF Experience Program with full support from the OCA as part of the Asian Games community outreach. The program will aim to deliver the best Esports experience, connect with the community and attract new fans.