(23 June 2008 6:00 pm)

MUMBAI: Indiagames, the online and mobile games company, and E-Sports Council of India have announced the formation of India’s first professional gaming team – ‘Indian Inferno’.

Indian Inferno team comprises Rueben Pereira, the Indian FIFA player and the only Indian gamer to win a medal at the World Cyber Games Asia along with ‘Counter Strike’ game team led by Mikhail Mehra with Amar Ratnam, Ritesh Shah, Ben Varghese and Pranay Bhatia.

“This is a major step in positioning E-sports as a viable career option amongst the Indian youth. This is the first time that an Indian team will be managed at every stage of their gaming career," said Indiagames CEO Vishal Gondal. “With the right professional guidance and exposure, players would be able to make a mark for India on the international competitive gaming scene.”

Indian Inferno will represent Indiagames in both national and international gaming tournaments as well as conduct nationwide gaming workshops as part of the agreement. Indiagames will in turn manage their gaming careers in terms of endorsements, providing training facilities and a platform to showcase their talent.