OCA and Tencent Esports Sign Decade-Long Strategic Partnership in Bahrain

The Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) and Tencent Esports have announced a comprehensive ten-year strategic partnership running from 2025 to 2035, marking a major step forward in the development of esports across Asia.

Under the agreement, Tencent Esports has been named the Official Esports Technology Partner of the OCA. The partnership represents a shift from basic event cooperation to a deeper model of long-term collaboration focused on technology, standards, and ecosystem building. It also introduces the “Tri-Pillar Drive” strategy, aimed at integrating esports more closely with traditional sports and shaping a sustainable future for the sector in Asia.

The collaboration builds on years of cooperation between the two sides. Tencent Esports has played a key role in supporting esports within the Asian Games framework, beginning with its appearance as a demonstration sport at the 2018 Jakarta Asian Games, followed by an upgraded partnership in 2022, and culminating in esports being included as an official medal event at the 19th Asian Games in Hangzhou.

The long-term partnership was formalized through a Memorandum of Understanding signed during the OCA Executive Board meeting held in Bahrain in October 2025. During the same meeting, Yati Zhang, Director of Tencent Esports, was appointed as OCA Esports Manager, a move aimed at strengthening governance, event systems, and ecosystem development for esports in Asia.

The collaboration agreement was signed at the 101st OCA Executive Board Meeting in Bahrain by Yati Zhang and Timothy Tsun Ting Fok, First Vice President of the Olympic Council of Asia.

Commenting on the announcement, OCA Director General Dr Husain Al-Musallam said the partnership reflects years of trust and successful cooperation. He noted that the agreement goes beyond a title upgrade, describing it as a shared responsibility that signals Asian esports has entered a new phase of structured and sustainable development.

The OCA and Tencent Esports said the partnership is expected to set new benchmarks for the healthy growth of esports in Asia, while contributing to its long-term recognition within the global sporting ecosystem.