SHILLONG || Small Steps for Jubilant Divine Esports, a Giant Leap for Meghalaya!
Marking a historic moment for the state, Jubilant Divine Esports (JDE) — a team of passionate young professionals committed to building the esports ecosystem in Meghalaya — officially inaugurated the first-ever professional esports office in the state. The office is located in Umpling, Shillong.
Founded on July 12, 2022, JDE envisions making Meghalaya a premier destination for esports in India by nurturing local talent, offering professional training, and creating platforms for competitive play. The initiative aims to promote growth, innovation, and employment through esports.
The new office was inaugurated by Cabinet Minister Kyrmen Shylla, in the presence of Mowkaiaw MLA Nujorki Sungoh, Rangbah Shnong of Umpling Sanwat Pyngrope, as well as well-wishers, friends, and family.
Confident about changing perceptions around esports in the state, Wanshankupar Suchiang, CEO of JDE and popularly known as DJ Wanshan, said:
“Trust me, in five years, you’ll start sending your children to our centre for training. Esports is not fantasy gaming, not Teen Patti, not online gambling—it is officially recognised by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports under ‘multisport events’.”
He added with pride:
“We are honoured to be the first group in Northeast India with a dedicated esports broadcast and streaming setup — and possibly one of the few in the country. Through this centre, we will offer training in streaming, hosting, and shoutcasting, creating new avenues for youth to explore.”
Cabinet Minister Kyrmen Shylla inaugurates Meghalaya’s first esports office in Umpling on July 16
Cabinet Minister Kyrmen Shylla lauded the initiative and emphasized esports’ potential for massive employment generation without the need for heavy infrastructure or strict age limits.
“The beauty of esports is its inclusivity — there’s no age barrier. Anyone can be part of it. The government should come forward to support such ventures. Esports will redefine the image of Meghalaya in the coming years.”
What is Esports?
Esports, or electronic sports, refers to competitive, organized video gaming where professional players and teams compete in tournaments for prizes, sponsorships, and international acclaim. Unlike casual gaming, esports requires discipline, strategy, teamwork, and rigorous training—just like traditional sports such as football or cricket.
Where Does India Stand?
India officially recognized esports as a part of multi-sport events on December 23, 2022. Even Prime Minister Narendra Modi has acknowledged the industry’s potential and its role in nurturing talent to boost India’s global esports presence.
Esports on the Global Stage
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has announced the first Olympic Esports Games, set to take place in Saudi Arabia in 2027—a historic step in legitimizing esports as a global sporting discipline. Esports has already been featured in major international events, including the Asian Games, signalling its growing acceptance and reach.
Between 30,000–50,000 of them engage in some form of competitive gaming.
An estimated 1,000–2,000 are considered esports players, participating in local, national, and even international tournaments.
Though still in its nascent stages, the gaming and esports sector in Meghalaya is on a fast growth trajectory. With the right support, it holds the potential to generate hundreds of direct and indirect job opportunities in the coming years.
Jubilant Divine Esports’ new office isn’t just a milestone for gaming enthusiasts — it represents a new chapter in youth development, tech innovation, and digital entrepreneurship in Meghalaya.
