In the bustling city of Gurgaon, Mayank Prajapati wears multiple hats. By day, he’s a freelance interior designer and a doting babysitter for his two-year-old child. However, when his wife Shweta, a business analyst, finishes her work at the nearby American Express office, Mayank transforms into a Street Fighter, battling opponents and honing his skills in the world of esports.
This month, Mayank Prajapati is set to make history as he joins India’s inaugural contingent of 15 esports athletes competing for medals at the Asian Games in Hangzhou.
Mayank acknowledges the crucial role his family plays in his esports journey. In an industry with growing demands for accessories and equipment, family support is indispensable. “Your family support means a lot if you are to play esports in India. Without that, I don’t think it’s possible. They are the ones who are paying for everything like the internet, high-end computers, or high-end mobiles. Like the headphones that I’m using right now, they are high-end gaming ones that cost a lot. So my wife bought me those,” Mayank Prajapati explains.
Balancing his responsibilities as a husband, father, and esports athlete requires effective time management. Mayank acknowledges, “Even for practice sessions, you need to have family support. You are sacrificing a portion of your daily life for a few hours of practice. We are just a husband, wife, and a child living alone. I need to take care of my child when my wife is working. For the four to five hours of practice, I usually have to sacrifice a little bit of my sleep. But it’s all good.”
The sacrifices have been worthwhile, with the qualification for the Asian Games being a significant milestone. Mayank recalls the moment vividly: “The qualifier that happened was online. So I was sitting in a different room, and she [his wife] was watching the livestream. After I finished my set, I heard her scream. So I knew that she’d gotten to know that I’d qualified for the Asian Games.”
Mayank Prajapati’s journey into the world of gaming and esports began in the late 1990s when he frequented arcades to play Street Fighter. Fast forward to 2008, when online shopping took an unexpected turn. While intending to order Call of Duty, Mayank mistakenly ordered Street Fighter 4. Priced at just 499 rupees, he decided to give it a try. Little did he know that this serendipitous online purchase would shape his esports career.
As esports gains recognition and medals at the Asian Games, Mayank and his fellow gamers in India aspire to eliminate social biases and receive the support they need. They emphasize the importance of faster internet, gaming chairs, practice facilities, and high-end PCs. They hope for government sponsorship to aid their endeavors.
Mayank’s journey has been a testament to his passion and determination, and the inclusion of esports in the Asian Games presents an opportunity to transform the landscape of esports in India. With the support of his family and the determination to succeed, Mayank Prajapati is ready to face the challenges and compete on the Asian Games stage.