Meanwhile, the Indonesian E-Sports Association is highlighting the benefits of online gaming during this year's Asian Games, in anticipation of the event's official debut in Hangzhou in 2022. Officials say contrary to perception, competitors need plenty of physical strength to succeed at their craft, as they need to practice for as long as 10 hours per day. CGTN's Silkina Ahluwalia has more from Jakarta.

It's a modern era for sports. The youth of today's generation are virtually competing for big prizes in international sporting events. At this year's Asian Games, 500 participants from countries like Indonesia, China, and Malaysia are competing in a week-long competition.

SILKINA AHLUWALIAJAKARTA "And it doesn't stop there. Official e-sports events will be a big highlight at the 2022 Asian Games, which will be held in Hangzhou, China. This will open up even more opportunities to develop the industry and strengthen the support system that pro gamers need to excel."

Haikal is representing his country, Malaysia, and has been training extensively for the Asian Games for the past year.

MOHAMAD NOR HAIKALMALAYSIA E-SPORTS COMPETITOR "All of the teams competing are very good - especially Japan, Vietnam, and Indonesia - so we are taking this opportunity to motivate us to train even harder. We used to practice just two hours a day, but for the Asian Games, we trained more than five hours a day."

Just like Haikal, Hendry has been an e-sports player in Indonesia for 15 years. He has competed professionally in countries such as the United States, South Korea, and China.

HENDRY HANDISURYA INDONESIA E-SPORTS COMPETITOR "The community for e-sports in Indonesia is very big. It's growing and growing. Five years ago, we won't have such an event like this, but it's growing, and I hope it will grow a lot bigger since Asian Games is already international scale."

Indonesia's e-sports industry has significantly increased in the last three years. New communities of online athletes are popping up all over big cities across the country, putting attention on the benefits of e-sports. But many still believe online gaming has negative consequences, and the Indonesian E-Sports Association is on a mission to change that mindset.

EDDY LIM INDONESIAN E-SPORTS ASSOCIATION PRESIDENT "We need to understand the difference between e-sports and e-games. When we talk about e-games, there are certain negative outcomes for young children, such as lack of studying and exercise. But e-sports are different, as they challenge you to set goals and create winning strategies. For that, you need to be physically fit as well, and if you are physically healthy, that will improve your mental health."

Eddy says e-sports is more than just a game. It's a skill that requires continuous mental stability. Silkina Ahluwalia, CGTN, Jakarta.