Esports is steadily gaining momentum in Nagaland, becoming one of the fastest-growing activities among the youth and earning the state national recognition for its emerging talent and vibrant gaming community. During a press conference at the Directorate of Youth & Sports Resources, Director Kethosituo Sekhose highlighted Nagaland’s rapid progress alongside Mizoram in India’s esports landscape. He announced the return of the Hornbill Esports Championship Season 2 and the Esports Music Festival 2025, hosted by the Department of Youth Resources and Sports in partnership with the Esports Association of Nagaland (ESAN). “Last year, we had an impressive turnout with over 150,000 online viewers and more than 500 attendees,” Sekhose stated.
The Hornbill Esports Championship and the Esports Music Festival are scheduled for December 8 and 9 at Indira Gandhi Stadium, with the music festival taking place on the evening of December 9. This year’s event boasts an expanded lineup of games and an increased prize pool of Rs. 10 lakh, up from Rs. 6 lakh, thanks to sponsorship support. Featured games include BGMI (Battlegrounds Mobile India) and Mobile Legends, along with individual categories like E-Chess, E-Football, and FC25.
In the BGMI category, one team each from Nagaland, Mizoram, and Bihar will compete, along with four teams from Manipur, seven from Assam, and two from West Bengal, for a prize of Rs. 4,50,000. The Mobile Legends 5v5 segment includes eight qualifying teams, with two from Nagaland and others from Arunachal Pradesh, West Bengal, Manipur, Kerala, and Assam, contending for a total of Rs. 3,00,000 and in-game currency worth Rs. 1,00,000. The online qualifiers for 2025 saw a record participation of 512 teams and 240 individual competitors, marking the largest esports engagement in Nagaland’s history.
Following the prize distribution on December 9, the Esports Music Festival will feature performances by local artists such as Polar Lights and Abdon Mech from Nagaland, alongside Guru Gee from Mizoram and Zephyrtone from Pune. Sekhose emphasized the government’s renewed commitment to esports, describing it as a growing global industry that can contribute significantly to Viksit Bharat 2047. With esports now recognized as an Olympic discipline by the International Olympic Committee, he noted the importance of establishing Nagaland as a key player in this sector.
Promoting esports also facilitates better regulation and the development of digital detox programs for the youth. “Children should use this platform to express themselves rather than fall into addiction,” he stressed. Addressing sponsorship challenges this year, Sekhose acknowledged logistical issues that hindered outreach but expressed optimism about increased private participation in the future.
Nagaland’s esports athletes are already making waves, as evidenced by one Naga competitor bringing home a gold medal during the inaugural introduction of esports at the Khelo India Youth Games. Local youth-led companies like ReDimension are making strides in game development and graphic design for major esports firms in India.
Sekhose affirmed the state government’s recognition of the vast potential within this sector for youth empowerment and economic development. He believes that the Hornbill Esports Championship serves as a significant milestone, reflecting the state’s dedication to nurturing young talent. With a focus on creating a thriving ecosystem for players, developers, marketers, and creators, he remarked, “This is a billion-dollar industry, and we hope Nagaland does not miss the bus.”
In response to questions about the relatively small number of qualifying teams from Nagaland, the president of ESAN clarified that the selection process was fair and based strictly on performances from the online qualifiers in October and November. Sekhose also highlighted the government’s strategy of inviting competitors from outside the state to promote sports tourism, asserting, “If England can host leagues that attract tourists, we too can create opportunities through esports.” He concluded by addressing concerns about the possible negative impact of esports on physical sports, stating that professional esports players also need to maintain physical fitness, quick reflexes, and mental discipline.
Original Source: https://www.morungexpress.com/nagaland-emerging-as-a-rising-esports-hub
Category: Sports
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Publish Date: 2025-12-03 23:49:00
