Asian Games landmark for esports fires Olympic dreams

This picture taken on Sept 11, 2023 shows esports League of Legends South Korean (left) and Vietnamese national teams preparing for a friendly match ahead of the upcoming Asian Games in Gwangmyeong. Esports will debut as a medal event at the Asian Games this month, and powerhouse South Korea is eyeing gold, which offers a priceless incentive to its star players: military service exemptions. — AFP

NEW DELHI: Esports’ debut as a medal event at the Asian Games starting this week will change attitudes and be a major step towards Olympic recognition at last, gamers and experts say.

Gaming was a demonstration sport at the 2018 Asian Games but gold medals will be up for grabs this time in Hangzhou in seven different games.