Ulaanbaatar, 16 December, 2022 – The Ulaanbaatar East Asian Youth Games Organizing Committee (UEAYGOC) has officially announced the inclusion of Esports for the upcoming Ulaanbaatar East Asian Youth Games 2023. This announcement follows from the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Asian Electronic Sports Federation (AESF) and the Ulaanbaatar East Asian Youth Games Organizing Committee (UEAYGOC). This MoU marks the debut for Esports at the East Asian Youth Games.
Top AESF officials, Director General, Sebastian Lau, and Chief Operating Officer, Steve Kim, met with the 1st Vice President of the Mongolia National Olympic Committee (NOC), Ch.Naranbaatar, to discuss the partnership with the UEAYG Local Organizing Committee and the state of Esports which is relatively new in Mongolia. AESF will also be extending their support to guide the country’s Esports development and initiatives with a focus on the Olympic agenda and values.
The two organizations spoke in detail about the sport which is slowly but steadily taking root in the nation and the measures being taken to encourage Esports athletes. In particular, AESF will be working closely with the NOC to boost participation in the Esports program at the upcoming Asian Games in Hangzhou.
AESF also met up with the Deputy Governor of the City of Ulaanbaatar, Z.Tumurtumuu, and The Director of Information and Technology of the Capital Governor’s Office, O.Chinzorig, to discuss preparations for the 2023 East Asian Youth Games.
"Ulaanbaatar is a youth city, with about 70% of the population under the age of 45. The East Asian Youth Games is the first major youth festival organized in Mongolia. Therefore, this is being considered at the capital and government levels. The city authorities included Esports in the festival as requested by the youth. We are pleased to cooperate with the AESF to develop Esports in the right way," said Mr. Tumurtumuu.
As the Games approach, AESF will take up an advisory role for the preparation of the Esports program at the multi-sport event along with the development of Esports education programs aimed at nurturing young talent. The role will namely include collaboration areas such as Esports competition organisation, Esports title selection, technical meetings, and Esports venue operations. This partnership alongside further education programs aims to boost awareness and advocacy for Esports among parents, players, and the overall public.
The 2023 East Asian Youth Games will be held in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia from 16 to 23 August 2023. Over 1,500 athletes from 9 countries and regions are expected to compete. With its rising popularity in the sporting world, Esports will be featured as a medal sport at the Games.
