South Korea-based International e-sports Federation (IeSF) has applied to the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to garner legitimacy as an official sport. The move comes after, the recent announcement of a video game showcase at the 2016 Rio Olympics.
India is also registered with the IeSF as a member nation. The organisation's Indian representative, Lokesh Suji told Sportskeeda, "We are all excited about this great move; and streanghens our belief in eSports, the most exciting Day will be the day when Indian Gamers are recognized as Athletes and start getting same benefits which any other Athlete in India gets, that Day will the a Great Day of Accomplishment."
Suji, the founder of Indian League Gaming has accompanied the Indian e-sports contingent to several World Championships. The IeSF already complies with the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) standards, monitoring drug usage across several events within their administrative realm.
The IeSF has also created a Title committee to look into the matter. The team will consist of members with considerable E-sports experience, to narrow down on the games, that will be suggested to the IOC for potential inclusion.
The IOC will provide them with a questionnaire, which requires details such as sport history, athletes and procedure of governance. However, the major barrier to overcome for the IeSF will be the Sportaccord membership.
Sportaccord requires IeSF to explain whether competitive video gaming fits the very definition of a sport. According to IeSF President, Byung Hun Jung, the organisation has progressed a long way in determining the approach to tackle the matter. The IeSF will be participating at the SportAccord week from April 18 to April 22 to create a buzz about their latest venture.
