Shenoy Defends Esports Legitimacy at Aichi-Nagoya

Fingertips hover over keys, the air thick with the hum of cooling fans. For Akshaj Shenoy, this is not leisure; it is a battlefield. He sits in the quiet intensity of the practice room, eyes locked on the screen, where milliseconds dictate victory. The world outside sees a game. Inside, the rhythm is relentless, a pulse of strategy and reflex that mirrors the sweat of a wrestling mat or the burn of a swimming pool.

Shenoy, the captain of India’s League of Legends squad, rejects the notion that his sport is a lesser form of competition. He speaks with the weight of someone who has walked the path from hobbyist to professional in a nation where such careers were once dismissed. As the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games approach, he stands ready to prove that the digital arena carries the same heavy, invisible load as any physical discipline.

Redefining the Athlete's Identity

Traditional images of Asian Games athletes often feature running, swimming, or wrestling. These are visceral, physical acts. Shenoy acknowledges the gap in perception. "It is understandable because the idea of an esports athlete is still relatively new to a lot of people," he told GN auto sports/multisport: Asian Games. He argues that while the application differs, the core demands are identical. Skill, preparation, strategy, discipline, and the ability to perform under pressure define the athlete, regardless of whether they wear a jersey or a headset.

Strategy Over Simple Play

League of Legends is a five-versus-five strategic contest. Players occupy specific roles, coordinating to dismantle the enemy base. Shenoy emphasizes that playing the game is only a fraction of the work. The elite level requires constant communication, interpreting opponent intentions, and making split-second decisions. "What makes someone good is a combination of mechanical skill, game knowledge, decision-making, communication and consistency," he explained. Individual brilliance is hollow without the ability to execute within a larger team plan under pressure.

The preparation extends far beyond the match itself. Hours are spent reviewing games, studying opponents, and refining strategies. Shenoy notes that this unseen labor is the true barrier to entry. "I don't think we would be competing at this level if we didn't believe a medal was possible," he said. The drive to succeed at Aichi-Nagoya is fueled by a deep conviction that their efforts mirror those of any Olympic contender.

Discipline Beyond the Screen

Shenoy urges young fans to distinguish between casual play and professional training. "Playing for hours is not the same as training to become a professional athlete," he warned. He stresses the need for discipline, consistency, and teamwork. Crucially, he advises against using esports as an excuse to neglect other aspects of life. For Shenoy, who navigated a time when gaming was seen merely as a hobby, this balance is vital. He believes that true professionalism requires a holistic approach, where the digital arena does not consume the entire life of the player.