Malaysian Electronic Sports Federation Welcomes E-Sports Recognition as Core High-Performance Sport
Historic Move Strengthens E-Sports Development Ecosystem
The Malaysian Electronic Sports Federation (MESF) has welcomed the recognition of e-sports as one of the core high-performance sports by Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi. This announcement is part of the Ministry of Youth and Sports’ (KBS) E-sports Development Strategic Plan 2020–2025, aimed at strengthening the country’s e-sports athlete development ecosystem towards world-class achievements.
Emphasis on One Student, One Sport (1M1S) Policy
The MESF also welcomes the emphasis on strengthening the implementation of the One Student, One Sport (1M1S) Policy by the Ministry of Education. This policy will open up wider space for e-sports as a high-impact sports education channel among students.
MyLeague: A Grassroots Development Initiative
As a proactive response to this recognition, MyLeague, a grassroots development initiative by MESF together with Esports Integrated (ESI), has been established as an official platform to unearth local talent across various major gaming titles. These titles include MyRL (eRacing), MyEL (eFootball), MyTL (Tekken 8), MyPL (PUBG), MyFL (Free Fire), MyCL (Counter Strike), MyHL (Honor of Kings) and MyML (Mobile Legends).
Professional Pathway for Local E-Sports Athletes
This platform will play a key role in providing a professional pathway for local e-sports athletes to compete at the national and international levels. The governing body remains committed to supporting government policies for the development of a progressive, sustainable and inclusive national e-sports industry.
Other Sports Involved
Apart from e-sports, other sports involved in the same strategic plan are aquatics (swimming and diving), weightlifting, badminton, cycling (track), field bowling, gymnastics (artistic and gymnastics), hockey, karate, archery, shooting, athletics, sailing, ping pong, sepak takraw, silat, squash, taekwondo, tenpin bowling and wushu.
Conclusion
The recognition of e-sports as a core high-performance sport is a significant milestone in the development of the industry in Malaysia. With the establishment of MyLeague and the support of government policies, local e-sports athletes will have a professional pathway to compete at the national and international levels.
FAQs
* What is the E-sports Development Strategic Plan 2020–2025?
+ The plan is a government initiative to strengthen the country’s e-sports athlete development ecosystem towards world-class achievements.
* What is the One Student, One Sport (1M1S) Policy?
+ The policy aims to provide a high-impact sports education channel for students, including e-sports.
* What is MyLeague?
+ MyLeague is a grassroots development initiative by MESF and Esports Integrated to unearth local talent across major gaming titles.
* What are the major gaming titles involved in MyLeague?
+ The titles include MyRL (eRacing), MyEL (eFootball), MyTL (Tekken 8), MyPL (PUBG), MyFL (Free Fire), MyCL (Counter Strike), MyHL (Honor of Kings) and MyML (Mobile Legends).