Russia intends to exempt professional gamers from military service

Deputy Chairman of the State Duma Committee on Physical Culture and Sports Amir Khamitov proposed the creation of “e-sports companies” for alternative military service.

The State Duma has already proposed giving esports players a deferment from the army and allocating a quota for state-funded places in universities to the winners of major gaming tournaments, according to RIA NOVOSTI. Now the deputies are considering the possibility of reducing the age threshold from 14 to 12 years old for admission to the initial stage of eSports training.

In addition, the term “remote competitions” may appear in the legislation, this should legalize eSports competitions. At the same time, eSports arenas can receive the status of sports facilities.