The winners of the WAVES Esports Championship 2025, Danial Patel, Tejaskumar Bhoi, and Pavan Kampelli, were welcomed and congratulated by PT Usha, President of the Indian Olympic Association.
She praised their discipline and backed esports as a rising force in Indian sports. Usha called the moment historic and assured IOA’s support for esports growth in India.
[WHAT’S HAPPENING] PT Usha Shows Love to India’s Esports Stars
It was a proud day for Indian esports. The WAVES Esports Championship 2025 winners were personally welcomed and honored by PT Usha, President of the Indian Olympic Association (IOA).
This was not a standard greeting. It looked like a hint that competitive gaming in India is at last getting the recognition it deserves. The event took place in New Delhi at the Sports Authority of India headquarters.
PT Usha met three standout performers from the WAVES Esports Championship:
- Danial Patel, who won gold in eFootball
- Tejaskumar Hasmukhbhai Bhoi, gold winner in World Cricket Championship 3
- Pavan Kampelli, who brought home a bronze in eFootball from the Asian Esports Games
One of India’s greatest sports icons gave all three players praise, support, and national attention.
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From Video Games to the National Stage
Esports in India stayed in the background for a while, frequently misinterpreted or ignored. However, PT Usha’s presence totally transformed the feeling.
She didn’t simply present the prizes and leave off. She talked about how disciplined these gamers were, comparing their diligence and concentration to that of conventional sports.
She made her point clearly. Esports is currently regarded by the government and IOA as a respectable sport deserving of funding, awareness, and national pride. Esports Federation of India (ESFI) Director Lokesh Suji called the WAVES Esports Championship a “historic moment” that would inspire the next generation of digital athletes in India.
What Did the Players Have to Say?
The players were clearly emotional and excited. Danial Patel said the experience felt “surreal.” For him, meeting PT Usha was more than an honor. It made everything feel real.
Tejaskumar Bhoi shared that being recognized at this level gives a new sense of pride. He felt motivated to keep growing and even push India further on the global stage.
And Pavan Kampelli said the event was a kind of validation for someone who earned a bronze medal in Bangkok, being honored back home after the WAVES Esports Championship gave it more meaning.
Pankaj Kapoor’s Take
This was more than just a celebration after the game. It was something different.
Traditional sports were the focus for years. Esports is now entering the same frame thanks to competitions like the WAVES Esports Championship.
The presence of PT Usha provided credibility. She spoke with confidence. Her behavior also made a clear statement: Indian sports’ future requires gamers.
The distinction between online and offline sports is becoming blurred. And India has a genuine chance to become a major global center for esports because of its sizable youth population and tech-savvy gamers.
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