NASEF’s global network bolsters SPEFL-SC and BEPF’s work to leverage esports and gaming interest for meaningful learning around career and life skills of

(Delhi, India, 28/11/2025) – Esports are booming, and students in India are excited to not just
play the games, but to pursue related careers. To support this thirst for competition and
education, The Sports, Physical Education, Fitness and Leisure – Skills Council (SPEFL-SC)
and Bharat Esports Professional Federation (BEPF) have just become an affiliate of NASEF. A
global NGO, NASEF provides a framework and support for educators around the world as they build programs that connect students’ love of video games and esports to exploration of career pathways, simultaneously developing important personal “soft skills” that will help youth thrive in today’s workforce.

NASEF leverages massive student interest in team-based competitive video gaming, offering meaningful career and STEAM education alongside tournaments in top game titles. Students learn about possible career pathways, enter Beyond the Game creative and analytic challenges, manage clubs and events and fundraising, and compete in tournaments in popular titles including but not limited to Rocket League, Valorant, and Minecraft, to name a few.

From Mr. Tahsin Zahid and Ms. Pankhuri Gupta

SPEFL-SC and its initiative, the Bharat Esports Federation (BEF), collectively aim to professionalize and revolutionize India's sports ecosystem by bridging the gap between grassroots talent and sustainable livelihoods in both physical and digital arenas. While SPEFL-SC focuses on standardizing vocational training, certification, and employment across traditional sectors like fitness, coaching, and manufacturing under the aegis of the Ministry of Skill Development, BEF extends this mission to the digital realm by establishing esports as a recognized mainstream sport with structured career pathways, regulatory frameworks, and national talent development programs. Together, they strive to create a globally competitive workforce and a safe, inclusive environment that fosters economic growth and establishes India as a powerhouse in the broader sports, fitness, and gaming industries.

NASEF is supporting similar organizations worldwide and freely shares its unique experience in developing global educational and career pathways. As a non-profit, NASEF focuses on youth impact, emphasizing cultivating talent in all students, particularly those in underserved populations. Through its partnerships, NASEF also helps students uncover pathways to college scholarships and careers in the gaming industry around the world.

“Research demonstrates the effectiveness of esports as a tool for meaningful STEAM and social-emotional learning,” said Gerald Solomon, founder and executive director of NASEF. “We’re thrilled to welcome SPEFL-SC and BEPF to the NASEF family, where educators will be able to learn best practices from scholastic esports programs around the world. We’re excited to support the SPEFL-SC and BEPF and see the growth across India in the coming years.”

Learn more at the NASEF website. Schools across India are invited to join SPEFL-SC and BEPF and NASEF and tap into their events and resources; contact Pankhuri Gupta [email protected].

About NASEF
NASEF equips education, community and industry leaders to maximize the potential of
scholastic esports. As a non-profit, NASEF supports leaders and youth to develop career and
professional skills through a unique blend of play and learning. Using its research-backed
approach, NASEF guides organizations around the world striving to make impacts through
scholastic esports.

NASEF operates under the umbrella of the World Wide Scholastic Esports Foundation, a
501(c)3 nonprofit headquartered in Atlanta, GA. The International Esports Federation has
entrusted NASEF with training and supporting its 130+ member federations as they undertake
development of scholastic esports programs. Find NASEF at NASEF.org and on X/Twitter,
Facebook, and Instagram.