As part of the partnership International Olympic Committee (MOV) a from the Saudi Arabian National Olympic Team with Olympic eSports games will be held regularlyThe first event is planned for 2025.
“We are very fortunate to be able to work with the Saudi Arabian National Olympic Committee on the Esports Olympics as they have extensive, if not unique, experience in Esports with all stakeholders. This experience will greatly benefit the Esports Olympics.” the IOC President stated Thomas Bach.
According to the IOC President, this partnership will also be ensured commitment to Olympic valuesespecially when it comes to games on the agenda, promoting gender equality and attracting a younger audience.
Saudi Arabia has been investing heavily in eSports, such as when it last hosted eSports World Championship 2024 in the capital Riyadh. Not only eSports, but the entire video game industry has become a target for Saudi investment. Saudi Arabia’s state-owned Royal Investment Fund has made a number of purchases in the sector in recent years. The fund currently owns shares in companies such as Electronic Arts, Take-Two, Nintendo, and others. This is an attempt to diversify the country’s income so that it is less dependent on oil revenues.
However, continued investment in video game companies is beginning to raise concerns among some given Saudi Arabia’s long-standing human rights record, with many critics accusing them of what is known as “sports wash”designed to improve their international reputation and divert attention from important issues.
Source :Indian TV
