IOC TO MONITOR ESPORTS IN BIRMINGHAM

THE International Olympic Committee will send an observer to esports gaming events that are being piloted at the Commonwealth Games. Sportsmail revealed in February that a deal had been struck for the Commonwealth Esports Championships to run alongside the Games as a demonstration event on August 6-7. There is potential for esports disciplines to join the full programme in 2026. Developments have stirred controversy among traditionalists but the enormous, young audiences drawn to gaming have made it a compelling proposition for major sporting bodies.