Pakistan’s Federal Minister for Science and Technology Fawad Chaudhry has announced that esports will soon get the status of regular sports. The news comes weeks after his initial interest in Pakistan gaming industry.
Taking to Twitter, the Minister has confirmed that discussions among Pakistan Sports Board and Pakistan Science Federation are underway, while the memorandum has already been signed. If the action comes to fruition, esports will get official deference as a proper sport.
“A memorandum has been signed between Pakistan Sports Board and Pakistan Science Foundation after which E-Sports will get regular sports status. If you are interested in video games, get ready and new opportunities are waiting for you,”
PAKISTAN’S FEDERAL MINISTER FOR SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY FAWAD CHAUDHRY HAS SAID.
The announcement follows Fawad Chaudhry’s previous interview with Waqar Zaka, where the Minister promised to facilitate the investors and players in their esports ventures. He announced that the ministry would be offering certifications in animation and game development in institutes across the country to encourage the youth to be part of the multibillion-dollar industry. The Minister also announced first National esports tournaments in collaboration with Waqar Zaka, which will provide an official stage for striving esports professionals.
“We plan on working alongside the companies (who have job opportunities) to create a syllabus and introduce gaming certifications in universities,” Fawad Chaudhry said.
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Pakistan’s budding esports ecosystem gleams with skilled players and esports acumen. The country, however, lacks an umbrella under which esports devotees could unite. For now, Pakistan’s first esports academy is the only training institute counselling the youth.
The news has elevated esports enthusiasts in Pakistan as the gaming scene is presently on its pinnacle. While Counter-Strike: Global Offensive players continue its legacy, Valorant’s fresh spell has revived the declining gaming community. On mobile esports side, PUBG has become a force to be reckoned with. With the government’s support, esports in Pakistan is close to ripening into a colossus.
Fawad Chaudhry’s efforts to bring esports to the fore could open a gateway to thousands of opportunities for esports players in Pakistan. Minister’s First National Esports Tournament is set to kickstart in March. It is yet to see whether this development of esports procuring an official status would materialize before the first tournament.
