Goodday Milk, xNova, & Hannah Yeoh team up for Msian esports

Are esports an actual sport? Well, Goodday Milk and Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh came together to present the argument that, yes, esports are the new meta.

Hannah Yeoh officiated the launch of the repackaged Goodday Charge by recounting the experience that convinced her that esports was a legitimate sport. At the Hangzhou Asian Games 2022, she saw first-hand the commitment and training that our national esports put into their (star)craft:

“…that game convinced me, that This is Sport. Just the same as athletics, or football, or badminton.

Our esports athletes brought home two medals, a silver by Arena of Valor and bronze by DOTA2. These wins reinforce our belief that the esports industry must be further strengthened.”

With part of the challenge being to destigmatize the common perception that video games are an unhealthy pastime, Goodday is pushing forward with their efforts to debunk myths and push for wider acceptance of professional gaming.

Just like how milk is a common nutritional foundation for athletes, Goodday Charge is the equivalent for pro gamers in training. A chocolate milk formulated with 10 essential nutrients (including B-complex vitamins for energy and brain function), Goodday Charge is Goodday’s first step in their involvement with Pillar 6 of the National Esports Development Guideline (NESDEG) focusing on nutrition and fitness.

Amy Gan, Etika’s VP of Marketing acknowledges that not being a gamer herself meant that she also associated gaming with unhealthy lifestyle choices and neglecting work or study. But what changed her perception was in understanding why esports became a phenomenon:

“I delved deeper into understanding esports. I spoke with various people and conducted my research. I realised that esports is indeed a sport, with competitive rules and regulations.

What’s interesting is that physical fitness plays a crucial role. Being fit enhances reflexes and gaming performance. Discipline is also essential; adequate sleep is necessary for improved focus. Nutrition is a key factor as well. Esports athletes need healthy energy to sustain their performance during long gaming sessions, much like traditional athletes.”

Goodday then used their ult, which was unveiling xNova as the face of their campaign.

xNova is a Dota2 player who is widely acknowledged as Malaysia’s top esports athlete, being our country’s highest earner of a prize pool, and placing among the top finalists in many tournaments including The International 2019 and the 2022 Asian Games. However, when starting his career at the age of 14, his greatest hurdle was overcoming naysayers and ridicule.

“I experienced firsthand the stigma of esports when I first started, which is why I advocate for greater support for esports because it showcases incredible talent in the new generation, offers endless opportunities for players and fans, and teaches discipline.” – xNova

With the additional announcement that esports are now been gazetted as a sport under the Sports Development Act 1997, it means that professional gamers (and those who want to train to be one) will be receiving the same support given to ‘traditional’ sports athletes. To learn more about Goodday’s campaign and their efforts to legitimize esports, head on over to their Facebook and Instagram page!

To see if Goodday Charge makes a difference in your Overwatch SR or Dota2 MMR, they’re now available at all leading convenience stores and supermarkets.