Grand Opening of Global Esports Games Mumbai; ESGF Activities Take Center Stage
Mumbai – The Global Esports Games Mumbai officially commenced today in Mumbai, Maharashtra. The event is being held from 19th to 22nd March 2026 and is organized by the Global Esports Federation (GEF) in collaboration with the Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation (MTDC).
On this occasion, the Esports Games Federation (ESGF) presented official national jerseys to Indian players participating in DOTA 2 and Clash Royale. This initiative marks a significant step toward boosting player morale and strengthening India’s representation on the international stage.
During the opening ceremony, ESGF Founder and Senior Advisor to GEF, Advocate Nandan Jha, participated in a high-level panel discussion, where he shared insights on the growth of esports, regulatory frameworks, and India’s evolving role in the global esports ecosystem.
As part of international collaboration efforts, an important Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was exchanged between India and Brazil, facilitated by ESGF, to establish a bilateral Nations Cup in esports. This initiative is expected to expand competitive opportunities and strengthen the global esports ecosystem.
On this occasion, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis stated:
“I am delighted to inaugurate the Global Esports Games Finals in Mumbai. This platform has provided an opportunity to engage with influencers from diverse sectors and to hold meaningful discussions on the Orange Economy.”
He further emphasized that Maharashtra is actively fostering a robust and collaborative environment for gaming, the creator economy, and digital infrastructure. The state government is working to bridge the gap between creators and brands.
To enhance formal education in content creation, the Indian Institute of Creative Technologies (IICT) has been established. Through a hub-and-spoke model, students will gain access to training and infrastructure, enabling clear career pathways in gaming, animation, and visual effects.
Maharashtra is also developing 12 AVGC (Animation, Visual Effects, Gaming, and Comics) hubs to build a comprehensive ecosystem for world-class game development. The state remains committed to empowering the Orange Economy and elevating its creators to new heights.
ESGF Founder and Senior Advisor to GEF, Advocate Nandan Jha, said:
“We are grateful to the Government of Maharashtra for its continued support in promoting esports. ESGF remains committed to advancing esports in India and ensuring its strong global presence.”
GEF Vice President Melita N. Moore stated:
“We appreciate the efforts of ESGF and their team. India holds immense potential in esports, and we look forward to further collaboration in this direction.”
ESGF Secretary General Gursharan Singh added:
“We are proud to announce the bilateral tournament between India and Brazil and look forward to creating more global opportunities for Indian players. The Global Esports Games Mumbai marks a strong beginning, and we hope other state governments will also come forward to support esports. This inauguration symbolizes the start of a grand and historic success.”
GEF President and CEO Mr. Paul J. Foster remarked:
“India has always been known for its hospitality and warmth. I extend my gratitude to the organizers and our member federation ESGF for this excellent event. The presence of such a large international delegation reflects the commendable efforts of the Government of Maharashtra and will inspire the Government of India to host more such global championships in the future.
About ESGF
The Esports Games Federation (ESGF) is a national body working towards the promotion, regulation, and development of esports and skill-based gaming in India. ESGF is a member of the Global Esports Federation (GEF) and the International Esports Federation (IESF), and is recognized by the Paralympic Committee of India (PCI).
Formerly known as the Skillhub Online Games Federation (SOGF), the organization is committed to responsible gaming, player development, and enhancing India’s participation on the global stage through collaborations with national and international institutions.
ESGF is led by Founder and Advisor Advocate Nandan Jha, President Ashok Dhyan Chand, and Secretary General Gursharan Singh. Its advisory board includes former Chief Justices of India, former Supreme Court judges, senior administrative officials, distinguished journalists, and legal experts.