Hong Kong, China, October 16, 2023: The Asian Electronic Sports Federation (AESF) has welcomed the announcement made by the International Olympic Committee President Thomas Bach, on plans on the creation of Olympic Esports Games during his opening speech at the 141st IOC Session in Mumbai, India.
IOC President Bach stated: “I have asked our new IOC Esports Commission to study the creation of Olympic Esports Games.”
This outlook was welcomed by AESF President Kenneth Fok who said it was in keeping with the goal of the AESF which was to actively promote the further integration of Esports into the Olympic Movement.
At the recent AESF’s 3rd Executive Board meeting, AESF President Fok had reiterated that the AESF mission was not solely focused on organising Esports events but also on bringing the Esports community closer to the Olympic community and National Olympic Committees.
The Olympic Movement has been embracing Esports in recent years, and the Asian Esports industry is leading the way. Major Asian multi-sports events, including the Asian Games and the Southeast Asian Games, have included Esports as a medal sport.
AESF has collaborated with publishers on the adaptation of popular mobile shooting game, such as PUBG Mobile, which was renamed as ‘Peace Elite Asian Games Version’ as well as MOBA game, such as ‘Arena of Valor’, which was renamed as ‘Arena of Valor Asian Games Version’ during the 19th Asian Games in Hangzhou.
Both of these adaptations have been made to comply with Olympic values, and the changes provide a good stage for athletes from various countries and regions to compete, while also presenting the core values of sports, such as equality, respect and fairness.
