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Meet the Indian ‘DOTA 2’ team participating at Asian Games 2022

AnimationXpress Team

For years, DOTA 2 has flourished as one of the most iconic esports titles in India, cementing its prominence in the video-gaming community. So, it wasn’t a surprise when it was this very title that served as the platform for the nation to clinch a historic bronze medal at the inaugural Commonwealth Esports Championships in Birmingham last year.

The game will be debuting as an official medal sport at the Asian Games 2022. The dynamic unit of captain Darshan Bata, Krish Gupta, Abhishek Yadav, Shubham Goli and Ketan Goyal who qualified for the prestigious the tournament in Hangzhou by emerging victorious in the National Esports Championships (NESC) organised by the Esports Federation of India will be carrying the hope of the country on their shoulders.

Here are the athletes who will be competing against 17 other teams in the hopes of a medal:

Darshan Bata (Team Captain)

Utilising his expertise and strategic insights to lead his team to success, Bata is the Captain of the DOTA 2 team that is aiming to script history at the Asian Games 2022. At the age of 28, the Mumbai-born athlete who is widely known by his in-game name “A35,” has already made a name for himself in the competitive scene, showcasing his top-notch gameplay and skillset in the game.

As captain of his team, Bata takes on the crucial role of leading his squad from the front and his dedication to his craft is evident in his consistent pursuit of excellence. “Behind every victory, there are countless hours of practice, analysis and teamwork. Achieving success in DOTA 2 is a collective effort that requires trust among your teammates,” he said Bata.

With an impressive in-game ranking of Immortal, Bata has proven his mastery of DOTA 2’s mechanics. His CV includes winning the ESL India Premiership Fall Masters twice, Taiwan Excellence Gaming Cup, and IGE South Asia Cup Online in 2019. As Bata continues to compete and improve, it is only a matter of time before he and his team leave an indelible mark on the international stage at the Asian Games and solidify their place among the world’s best.

Achievements: 

Krish Gupta

Possessing the ability to navigate through the complexities of DOTA 2 with precision, Krish Gupta has put Pune on the map of competitive gaming. His lightning-fast reflexes and smart thinking have led to him turning heads in the community, and making a name for himself on the battlefield.

During the ESL India Premiership 2019 Winter and Fall Masters League Finals, Gupta’s exceptional leadership and ability to make split-second decisions propelled his team to victory. His strategic approach enabled his team to overpower his opponents and secure crucial victories for his team.

Gupta’s success has transcended national boundaries as triumphs in the Taiwan Excellence Gaming Cup 2019 and IGE South Asia Cup Online have cemented his name as a noteworthy international contender, highlighting his ability to excel in high-pressure, global tournaments. He believes that gaming has not just given him an identity but also influenced his personal growth. “Gaming has taught me valuable life lessons, like the importance of perseverance and adaptability. These skills have not only shaped me as a player but have also positively influenced my personal growth,” he said.

Ranked as Immortal-60 in the game, Gupta will look to replicate his best form in Hangzhou to become an inspiration for aspiring DOTA 2 players, proving that determination and skill can lead to anything you want to achieve in life.

Achievements:

Abhishek Yadav

When the stakes were high and the pressure was highest, Yadav emerged as a shining star and etched his name in Indian esports history. With the weight of his nation on his shoulders, Yadav helped his team secure a bronze medal for India at the prestigious Commonwealth Esports Championship.

“Winning bronze at the Commonwealth Championship opened up doors of opportunity and recognition for Indian esports as a whole. Being felicitated alongside the mainstream sports medalists was one of the best moments of my life,” says the athlete from New Delhi.

At just 21 years old, Yadav’s gaming prowess has already ignited the competitive scene, earning him a place among the elite players in the DOTA 2 community. While his name shines brightly as an individual talent, his achievements in Indian tournaments have further solidified his legacy.

As a key player for his teams, he has led them to glory in multiple tournaments including ILG Delhi 2019 LAN Event, Cobx Master 2018 Delhi Qualifiers, and LOCO DOTA 2 Phase 1 in 2020. With his sights set on replicating his success from the Commonwealth Championships to another major multi-sport, Yadav is determined to soar to unprecedented heights in
DOTA 2.

Achievements:

Shubham Goli

Originating from Solapur, Goli played a pivotal role in securing a coveted bronze medal for India at the esteemed Commonwealth Esports Championship. “I carry the pride of my hometown and the dreams of my parents with me in this victory,” he shared. The 24-year-old’s remarkable performance will forever be remembered as a defining moment in India’s esports history journey, cementing his name as a true champion in the world of competitive gaming.

Goli’s journey in DOTA 2 has been marked by his ability and thirst for victory. With razor-sharp instincts and a deep understanding of the game, he is capable of single-handedly turning the tides in favour of his team. Going by the name of “Madness” in-game, he has achieved the Immortal – Rank 700, among the elite players in the Asian DOTA 2 scene.

While Goli has emerged victorious in the Sabbatum Cup 2020, and the ILG Pune Qualifiers in 2017 and 2018 he has also witnessed setbacks in his journey. Finishing in the second position at the Acer Predator League 2019 India Qualifiers and the Taiwan Excellence 2019 tournament might have been heartbreaking but these experiences have fuelled his desire for continuing to improve.

On the international stage, Goli notably led his team to an impressive 4th-place finish in the Esports Players League Bangladesh Amateur League 2020. His burning passion for DOTA 2 is what sets him apart from the others. It is only a matter of time before his team establishes their dominance on the international platform and takes the Asian Games by storm.

Achievements:

Ketan Goyal

Performing when it mattered the most, veteran gamer Goyal was one of the names that shone brightly among the constellation of DOTA 2 stars at the Commonwealth Championships. “I have been playing DOTA 2 for a lot of years and gaming has been one of the most important teachers in my life, giving me a lot of things in life. In Birmingham when we were playing on the biggest of stages I felt like it was my time to give something back to the community and prove my passion for the game. So the medal was a milestone in my life,” he said.

The 30-year-old who is based out of Pune has an impressive rank of Immortal – Rank 650 in Asia and impressively balances gaming and personal life, has left a lasting legacy in the Indian DOTA 2 canvass. From the early days of his gaming journey, Goyal has been one of the names to watch out for in the coveted title.

His breakthrough moments came in the Free To Play tournament, where he captained his team to a resounding victory, claiming the coveted first place in 2014. This triumph marked the beginning of a long list of victories, including the Taiwan Excellence Cup, the Indian Gaming Show, the Dew Arena, and the ESL India Premiership.

Goyal’s participation in the prestigious Asian Cyber Games and ROG Masters Malaysia ensured that he stamped his authority on the international stage. As he continues to push the boundaries in Dota 2 by targeting a historic medal at the Asian Games 2022, there is no doubt that he will forever be an iconic figure in the title.

Achievements:

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