An influential association representing thousands of Indian eSports athletes and skill gamers has proposed to the Tamil Nadu government to recognize skill gaming as a separate sport and not equate it with gambling. Two Indian chess geniuses also joined in his support.
The Esports Players Welfare Association (EPWA) has stated that the Tennessee government should provide a safe haven for professional, amateur and casual online skill gamers in the form of an exemption from state-related gambling and gaming law coverage.
This comes as a controversy has erupted over rummy and other skill games in Tamil Nadu. The Tamil Nadu government appointed Justice K.K. A committee has been constituted under the chairmanship of Chandru (retd). The state government is actively considering the report of the commission.
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In addition, the government is seeking input from various stakeholders including the general public, parents, teachers, gamers, social workers and gaming service providers on the proposed online gaming legislation.
Two Indian chess players from India are also leading this appeal. Grandmaster Ankit Rajpala said, "The central government needs to take some action regarding these arbitrary restrictions. We have consoled them when they are not caught, but the state government is doing the opposite."
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