The Skillhub Online Games Federation (SOGF) with the support of the Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports is aiming to bring the prestigious International Esports Championships to India for the first time, marking a major milestone for the country’s burgeoning esports industry. In a strategic move to position India as a global leader in online competitive and skill-based gaming, SOGF is working closely with the International Esports Federation (IESF) to organise world-class tournaments on Indian soil.

In a pivotal meeting last week, representatives from the SOGF and the IESF General Secretary, Boban Totovski, jointly called upon the Hon’ble Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports, Dr Mansukh Mandaviya, to discuss their milestone partnership aimed at shaping the future of India’s esports ecosystem. 

In the meeting, the Hon’ble Sports Minister expressed strong support for SOGF and IESF’s initiative to introduce world-class esports programmes in India, emphasising the significance of developing the ecosystem and providing Indian athletes with international opportunities. He also endorsed SOGF’s efforts to regulate the esports and skill-based gaming ecosystem, reinforcing the government’s commitment to fostering a fair and competitive environment for the industry’s growth.

Shankar Aggarwal, President of SOGF said, “We are extremely thankful to the government and IESF for turning things around in such a short period of time. India’s potential in esports is immense, and this collaboration has the power to transform the esports landscape in the country. Not only will it broaden the reach of esports in India, but it will also pave the way for top-tier international competitions to be hosted in the country. With the support of the government and international bodies like IESF, we aim to foster a fair and thriving ecosystem. Our commitment is to nurture talent, regulate the industry, and ensure that Indian athletes have every opportunity to excel on the global stage.”

SOGF comprises Olympians, former high-ranking officials including former CJI and SC Judges, civil servants, and industry veterans, ensuring robust governance; it is further strengthened by its 29 associate state bodies, reflecting nationwide support for such initiatives. It is dedicated to ensuring fair competition, fostering transparency, and nurturing talent to represent India globally thereby emphasising fairness, collaboration, and sustainable long-term growth for India’s online gaming industry. 

To champion online games including esports and to revolutionise the way gaming and esports are perceived in India, the SOG Federation has also joined hands with the International Mind Sports Association (IMSA), an umbrella organisation for global governing bodies of mind and skill-based sports, and the Global Esports Federation (GEF).

Boban Totovski, General Secretary, IESF said, “Supporting the growth and development of Esports communities around the world has always been one of the  IESF’s key missions. We’re glad to see that SOGF shares the same values and is dedicated to working toward the same vision in India. We are very excited that our new pro-series, which we are organising, will kick off here, and we believe SOGF is a great partner for the project while unlocking opportunities for athletes, development and esports enthusiasts.”

Furthermore, the partnership between SOGF and IESF, supported by the Government of India, marks a positive step toward becoming a global leader in the space, especially with the much-anticipated Olympic Esports Games now in the mix. This collaboration aligns with India’s growing focus on international esports and the opportunities ahead for its athletes.

NODWIN Gaming, a leader in new-age youth entertainment, gaming, and esports, has announced the appointment of Atin Suri as Global Head of Experiential Marketing. With a track record of delivering disruptive, immersive brand experiences across diverse markets, Atin brings a wealth of expertise to help further NODWIN Gaming’s mission to engage and excite audiences across all ages, worldwide.

Atin will be responsible for leading NODWIN Gaming’s worldwide expansion efforts in experiential marketing and continued growth while handling the company’s white-label events and activations. His ability to formulate marketing strategies and well-crafted market messaging for a global audience ties in seamlessly with NODWIN Gaming’s vision as the company continues to expand its footprint in the industry and deepen its engagement with audiences.

A key focus for NODWIN Gaming is providing holistic entertainment to the global youth with its diverse range of intellectual properties that spans esports, gaming, pop culture, music, and comedy. Atin’s extensive expertise in crafting bespoke and immersive on-ground experiences will be key in enhancing consumer experience and brand recall.

“For me, experience is everything, and I’ve always wanted to push the envelope when it comes to the intersection of technology and immersive experiences,” said Atin. “At NODWIN Gaming, I see endless opportunities when it comes to experiential marketing especially when the company is expanding further towards youth-focused experiences across the world.”

Before joining NODWIN, Atin founded The Experiential Hub, a disruptive agency known for crafting innovative brand events and activations. His experience as a pioneer in experiential marketing includes leading several landmark campaigns.

A decade ago, Atin recognised the untapped potential of esports in India, a foresight that led to his successful collaboration with Akshat Rathee, Co-Founder and Managing Director of NODWIN Gaming. Together, they worked on Dew Arena and made it India’s Largest Offline Gaming Championship.

Building on this partnership, they went on to bring DreamHack, the world’s largest gaming festival to India. This groundbreaking project won the award for Best Intellectual Property at the prestigious WOW Awards Asia 2019. Atin also played a pivotal role in organising major esports events with the NODWIN Gaming team in India including ESL One, PUBG Club Open, PMPL South Asia and many more.

“We are thrilled to welcome Atin to NODWIN Gaming” commented Akshat Rathee, Co-founder and Managing Director of NODWIN Gaming. “Having worked with Atin on previous projects, we have always admired his ability to bring fresh and bold ideas to the table. His passion for tech-driven, experiential events makes him the perfect fit for our vision of creating unforgettable gaming experiences globally.”

Atin has also been the recipient of multiple honours like the JWT HiP Club Rising Star, the CEO Award from PepsiCo, and the Tech India Award.

Educating and empowering female volunteers on the importance of Breast Cancer early detection and prevention was the main purpose of the Breast Cancer Awareness Program that the FBM Foundation held last October 17th at the One Corporate Centre Building in Pasig City. The initiative prepared by the Corporate Social Responsibility project of the FBM Group gathered 48 women.

The Breast Cancer Awareness Program reflects the FBM Foundation’s ongoing commitment to health awareness and community well-being. Dr. Alodee Mejia, a breast cancer care expert from Asian Hospital and Medical Center, served as the guest speaker, offering essential insights on early detection, self-examinations, and the latest treatment and preventive measures.

“Breast cancer touches many lives, and raising awareness is crucial. It is not just about knowing it exists; it’s about understanding how to act. With expert guidance, we can offer our volunteers the proper knowledge to make a difference in the fight against this health issue,” said Lulu Barreras, FBM Foundation Project Coordinator in the Philippines.

Breast cancer is one of the most common types of cancer worldwide, and early detection can significantly increase survival rates. Regular self-examinations and screenings are essential for catching the disease in its early stages. It is important to remember that breast cancer does not only affect women. Men are also at risk, and being informed and vigilant is a big step forward to save lives.

By hosting this program, the FBM Foundation emphasized its dedication to promoting health, encouraging proactive measures, and supporting the well-being of its volunteers. This program was not only an opportunity to share knowledge but also to inspire action. As the volunteers are now better equipped, they are more likely to engage in conversations with their families, friends, and communities, spreading awareness about breast cancer and the importance of early detection. The FBM Foundation hopes this ripple effect will extend far beyond the conference room, creating a visible change in the community.

Raising awareness about critical health issues such as breast cancer reflects a deeper commitment from companies to help society. Through the organization of awareness initiatives like this program, businesses can contribute to having more informed employees and volunteers and have an active role in public health efforts.