Ukraine now views esports as an official sport

With esports soaring in popularity and demanding many of the same disciplines required from other sporting activities, it's pleasing to hear that it is starting to receive recognition as an official sport. Ukraine now views esports as an official sport after the Ukrainian Esports Federation (UESF) and the Ukrainian Professional Cybersport Association (UPEA) lobbied for its recognition for over a year.

Vadym Gutzayt, Ukraine's Minister of Youth and Sports, said: "We cannot ignore this phenomenon because esports is developing very fast all over the world. Audience interest is growing every month as is the involvement of our population." He continued: "We want our children, who are already at the computer most of the time, not to become addicted to gaming, but to be able to turn their hobby into an intellectual competition."

Clearly, esports is starting to receive the recognition that it truly deserves on a global scale. Who knows, it may not be much longer until it's regarded as a true Olympic sport.

Thanks, The Esports Observer.