Highlights
- Skyesports will organize tournaments and leagues across Maharashtra; GodLike will run grassroots mentorship programs through its creator and pro-player network.
- Maharashtra Cyber, the state's nodal cybersecurity agency, will run digital safety drives alongside the esports events.
- The partnership targets Maharashtra's "orange economy" push and India's preparations for international competition.
Chennai-based esports IP builder Skyesports, a part of JetSynthesys, and GodLike Esports signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Maharashtra Cyber during a closed-door meeting in Mumbai on March 23. The deal puts esports development at the centre: building tournament infrastructure, a competitive talent pipeline, and grassroots community programs across the state.
The timing matters. India is preparing for multiple international stages — the Esports World Cup (EWC), the Esports Nations Cup (ENC), and the 2026 Asian Games — and Maharashtra wants to position itself as the country's primary hub for competitive gaming. The MoU fits into the state government's broader "orange economy" strategy, which backs creative and digital industries.
Skyesports, GodLike, and Maharashtra Cyber roles in the MoU
Skyesports will organize and broadcast esports tournaments and leagues in the state. These events will also carry messaging around data privacy, fraud prevention, and anti-cyberbullying — a condition of the partnership with Maharashtra Cyber.
GodLike Esports will use its creator network and professional roster for community mentorship and grassroots player development. The org's focus is on engaging younger players and building the kind of competitive base India needs for international events.
Maharashtra Cyber will run the digital safety side, leading awareness campaigns on responsible online behaviour. Eyrie Entertainment will cover and support Maharashtra Cyber's cyber awareness activities across events and campaigns, amplifying the department's outreach across the state.
Shiva Nandy, Kronten, and Maharashtra Cyber on India's esports future
Shiva Nandy, founder and CEO of Skyesports, said the MoU is a first step toward making Maharashtra a global esports hub. He pointed to the need for industry-government collaboration and said the partnership with GodLike would help build a talent pipeline for international competition.
Yashasvi Yadav, Additional Director General of Police for Maharashtra Cyber, said that as esports draws younger audiences, digital safety awareness needs to grow alongside the industry. He framed the initiative as a way to pair the state's esports growth with cybersecurity education.
Chetan "Kronten" Chandgude, founder of GodLike Esports, said Indian esports needs to grow from the grassroots up. He wants to use mentorship and pro-player interactions to build an ecosystem where young gamers can compete safely.
Upcoming Skyesports tournaments and initiatives in Maharashtra
Skyesports has confirmed that more initiatives tied to this MoU will be announced later. Details on upcoming tournaments and community programs are expected in the coming months.
