Philippine Olympic Committee President Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino has urged the Philippine Esports Organization to send delegates on all eight esports titles to be contested in the Asian Games 2022 in Hangzhou, China,
For the first time, the continental multi-sport event will feature esports as one of its medal sports, featuring eight esports titles namely, Arena of Valor (Asian Games Version), DOTA 2, Dream Three Kingdoms 2, EA Sports FIFA Branded Soccer, Hearthstone, League of Legends, PUBG Mobile (Asian Games Version), and Street Fighter V.
“For the part of POC, we will make sure na mayroong entry ang sports on those eight games or disciplines. The deadline for entry is March next year, so definitely we will field all the eight games,” said Tolentino during a press conference where he, along with PESO officials, sat down with Asian Electronic Esports Federation (AESF) Chief Operating Officer Steve Kim last Friday August 8.
Kim was in the country to discuss the Road to Asian Games 2022 Program – project created by the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) and AESF as part of the inclusion and promotion of esports in the continental meet.
AESF, the only competent organization for esports acknowledged by OCA, also aims for the inclusion of esports not just in the Asian Games in September next year but also in Aichi-Nagoya 2026, Doha 2030, and other sporting events.
PESO Executive Director Marlon Marcelo quickly adhered to the recommendation of Tolentino and guaranteed that SIBOL executives will call for a meeting to make sure that there is a sufficient resource management program and that training facilities are up to standard.
During the event, Kim also discussed the four Olympic Values and Movement – Grassroots Development, Education Programs, Career Opportunities, Athlete’s Right and Protection – which aim to develop a healthier esports ecosystem and maximize the opportunities within the industry.