Esports to feature as medal sport at Asian Games Hangzhou

The organisers of 19th Asian Games Hangzhou 2022 have announced that esports will be an official medal sport at the event.

Announced the medal addition during a news conference held at 4th China International Import Expo (CIIE) - being held from 5th to 10th November 2021 at Shanghai’s National Exhibition and Convention Centre - organisers advised the esports competition will feature the following games: Arena of Valor Asian Games Version, Dota 2, Dream Three Kingdoms 2, EA SPORTS FIFA, HearthStone, League of Legends, PUBG Mobile Asian Games Version and Street Fighter V.

Zhu Qinan, Director of the Competition Department of the Asian Games Hangzhou 2022 Organising Committee explained “it is of great significance to add e-sports as an official event in the Asian Games.

"We hope to take the advantage of hosting the Asian Games to promote the development of the e-sports, digital and animation industries in Hangzhou.”

Apart from esports, other games popular with youth demographics including break dancing and 3-on-3 basketball have also been included in the Games.

Zhu noted “adding these events would make more young people pay attention to and enjoy the Asian Games, further enhance the overall influence of the Games and drive more people to participate in sports activities.”

Set to take place from 10th to 25th September next year, the 19th Asian Games Hangzhou 2022 will feature 40 major sports, 61 events and 482 sub-events.

Image: League of Legends competition.