2018 Asian Games: E-Sports Enthusiasts set sights on Olympics

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03:17

While many of the athletes at the Asian Games compete in the sweltering tropical heat, those participating in the demonstration event of e-sports can ply their trade sitting in comfortable seats in front of large screens. And now the organizers of this discipline have their sights set on a bigger prize in the future - the Olympics. Damion Jones has more details.

With six electronic sports on display as a demonstration event for the first time ever at the 2018 Asian Games, these technological tussles are taking a huge step forward in terms of acceptance in the athletic realm. And the leader of the discipline's only organization officially recognized by the Olympic Council of Asia is excited about his pastime's approval as a medal competition in 2022.

Kenneth Fok's next goal is a place on the biggest stage of all, but since the IOC does not currently recognize any international e-sports federations, the discipline is not yet in position to apply for Olympic inclusion - but the discipline's Asian head honcho believes time is on gaming's side.

As electronic sports continue to develop, the pastime's growing popularity has not overcome many people's doubts that the high-tech throwdowns should actually be classified as athletic events, while a slew of rules need further refinement, including regulations on doping.

The latest good news for gamers came at a forum co-hosted last month in Switzerland by the International Olympic Committee, and the Global Association of International Sports Federations, where IOC president Thomas Bach said the topic of future inclusion will be on the agenda at his organization's next summit in December. DJ, CGTN.