The General Body of the International Esports Federation (IESF) has elected Esports Federation of India (ESFI) director and Asian Esports Federation (AESF) vice-president Lokesh Suji to its esteemed Membership Committee on a three-year term. This election marks the first time that an Indian has become part of the membership committee of the IESF.
The IESF is a global esports organisation working towards promoting esports as a true sport beyond language, race and culture barriers. Its Membership Committee is instrumental in upholding consistency, fairness and excellence among its members. They enforce the federation’s rules, promote integrity and nurture unity within the esports community. The committee also carefully assesses new member applications to maintain high standards and advance the global esports mission.
The elections for Suji’s appointment were conducted during the recent Ordinary General Meeting (OGM) of the IESF on 28 August in Iasi, Romania, where out of the 70 voting and present members, a majority of 42 member countries voted in favour of his selection. As part of the membership committee, he will now leverage his vast experience and expertise to ensure a seamless execution of the process, contributing to a bright future for esports within the IESF.
Suji is a pioneer and well-respected figure in the Indian as well as global esports industry and has showcased exceptional thought leadership throughout his tenure as the director of ESFI and vice-president of AESF. Under his guidance, ESFI has established a thriving ecosystem for esports in India, contributing significantly to the official recognition of esports as a multi-sport event by the Indian government.
Of his selection, IESF president Vlad Marinescu said, “We are thrilled to introduce Mr. Lokesh Suji as the newest addition to the IESF Membership Committee. Drawing from our extensive collaboration over the past few years, I possess unwavering confidence in his passion, capabilities, and commitment to advancing the global esports community. Under Lokesh’s leadership, ESFI has not only significantly contributed to raising esports to a multi-sport status in India, but the nation has also achieved remarkable milestones on the global stage. His vision for promoting democratic and transparent processes seamlessly aligns with ours, making him an invaluable asset for propelling the growth of the IESF family. Lokesh epitomises the essence of Indian culture, reflecting the philosophy of “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam (World is one family),” which celebrates a world without boundaries and envisions global unity as one harmonious family.”
Led by Suji’s vision, ESFI has organised fair national qualifiers to select the athletes for representing the country at international events such as the World Esports Championships and Global Esports Games year after year. ESFI has been sending the Indian Esports contingent to major multi-sport tournaments such as the Asian Games 2018 where esports was a demonstration event and the Commonwealth Esports Championships last year where the nation’s talented athletes scripted history by clinching historic bronze medals in Hearthstone and DOTA 2 respectively.
Additionally, ESFI will also be sending the 15-member contingent to compete at the upcoming Asian Games 2022 in Hangzhou where esports is debuting as an official medal sport.
“It is an honour to be elected to the Membership Committee of the IESF and be part of an organisation that has been driving the global esports movement forward for so long,” Suji shared. “This election is a testament to the dedication of ESFI and the growth of the Indian esports community. I would like to thank all the members of the IESF for their continuous support and look forward to working with the committee to contribute to the growth and integrity of esports on a global scale.”
With this, India continues to expand its footprint in the global esports landscape and establishes itself as a powerhouse in the sport.
