The Turkmenistan National e-Sports Federation has joined the Asian Electronic Sports Federation ©Getty Images

Membership of the Asian Electronic Sports Federation (AESF) has increased after the Turkmenistan National e-Sports Federation (TMeSF) joined the organisation.

Although Turkmenistan has competed in AESF-run events previously - most notably when esports was a demonstration sport at the Ashgabat 2017 Asian Indoor and Martial Arts Games (AIMAG) in the country - it was not an AESF member until now. 

"We are excited to finally see the inclusion of TMeSF into the AESF family," AESF President Kenneth Fok said.

"They have been one of our strongest supporters in incorporating esports into major sporting events - since AIMAG 2017 so it goes without saying, that we look forward to more collaborations moving forward. 

"I am excited to see what the future holds for the Turkmenistan esports scene."

The 2018 Asian Games featured esports as a demonstration event ©Getty Images
The 2018 Asian Games featured esports as a demonstration event ©Getty Images

A. Eyeberdiyev, Turkmenistan's Minister of Foreign Affairs, declared that the nation was "ready to go hand in hand with AESF and make every effort to help and develop Asian esports".

The TMeSF is already a member of the International Esports Federation (IESF), as well as the rival Global Esports Federation.

The IESF and AESF reached an agreement on a "collaborative relationship to promote and advance esports globally as well as across the Asian continent" earlier this year, while the 2018 Asian Games included esports as a demonstration sport as it continues to gain traction in the region.