IOC President Thomas Bach has announced that the International Olympic Committee (IOC) is exploring the possibility of incorporating esports into the Olympic Games. The announcement came during the Opening Ceremony of the 141st IOC Session in Mumbai, India, in the presence of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Bach thanked the Indian Prime Minister for his support of Olympic sport and praised India as an inspiring country for holding the IOC Session.
Bach acknowledged the immense popularity of esports, with an estimated three billion people engaging in gaming and esports worldwide, and over 500 million expressing specific interest in esports. He emphasized that a majority of these esports enthusiasts are under the age of 34, highlighting the potential appeal of esports to younger generations.
To further explore the integration of esports into the Olympic Games, Bach revealed that the IOC has tasked its new Esports Commission with studying the creation of Olympic Esports Games. The IOC has been engaging with esports since 2018, organizing events such as the Esports Forum and the Olympic Virtual Series. These initiatives have successfully brought together the Olympic and esports communities, with the Olympic Esports Series attracting over 500,000 participants and generating more than 6 million views of live action.
Bach also touched on the topic of artificial intelligence (AI) and its impact on the Olympic Movement. He stressed the importance of embracing digital technology and AI, calling for a change in mindset within the Olympic Movement to meet the demands of the younger generation, who are immersed in digital lives. The IOC has already begun work on analyzing the opportunities and risks of AI through an expert-led AI working group.
The IOC’s exploration of esports aligns with its goal of reaching out to young people and ensuring the relevance of sport in the digital age. As Bach stated, sport needs to go where the people are, both in the physical and digital realms. The IOC’s focus on incorporating esports and embracing digital technology reflects its commitment to adapt and evolve while staying true to its values.
The announcement of the IOC’s exploration of Olympic Esports Games signifies a major step forward in the integration of esports into the prestigious Olympic Games. As esports continues to gain mainstream recognition and a global following, its potential inclusion in the Olympics would further solidify its status as a legitimate and highly competitive form of sport.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) Related to the Above News
What is the International Olympic Committee (IOC) exploring in regards to esports?
The IOC is exploring the possibility of incorporating esports into the Olympic Games.
When was this announcement made?
The announcement was made during the Opening Ceremony of the 141st IOC Session in Mumbai, India.
Who made the announcement?
The announcement was made by IOC President Thomas Bach.
Who was present during the announcement?
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi was present during the announcement.
What did Thomas Bach acknowledge about esports?
Thomas Bach acknowledged the immense popularity of esports, with an estimated three billion people engaging in gaming and esports worldwide, and over 500 million expressing specific interest in esports.
What age group is primarily interested in esports?
A majority of esports enthusiasts are under the age of 34, highlighting the potential appeal of esports to younger generations.
How is the IOC further exploring the integration of esports?
The IOC has tasked its new Esports Commission with studying the creation of Olympic Esports Games.
What initiatives has the IOC organized related to esports?
The IOC has organized events such as the Esports Forum and the Olympic Virtual Series.
How successful were these initiatives?
These initiatives have successfully brought together the Olympic and esports communities, with the Olympic Esports Series attracting over 500,000 participants and generating more than 6 million views of live action.
What other topic did Thomas Bach touch on during the announcement?
Thomas Bach also touched on the topic of artificial intelligence (AI) and its impact on the Olympic Movement.
What does Thomas Bach emphasize about digital technology and AI?
He emphasizes the importance of embracing digital technology and AI and calls for a change in mindset within the Olympic Movement to meet the demands of the younger generation, who are immersed in digital lives.
How is the IOC analyzing the opportunities and risks of AI?
The IOC has formed an expert-led AI working group to analyze the opportunities and risks of AI.
Why is the IOC exploring esports?
The IOC's exploration of esports aligns with its goal of reaching out to young people and ensuring the relevance of sport in the digital age.
What does the IOC's focus on incorporating esports and embracing digital technology reflect?
It reflects the IOC's commitment to adapt and evolve while staying true to its values.
What does the IOC's exploration of Olympic Esports Games signify?
It signifies a major step forward in the integration of esports into the prestigious Olympic Games.
What would the inclusion of esports in the Olympics further solidify?
It would further solidify esports' status as a legitimate and highly competitive form of sport.
Please note that the FAQs provided on this page are based on the news article published. While we strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information, it is always recommended to consult relevant authorities or professionals before making any decisions or taking action based on the FAQs or the news article.
