TY - JOUR T1 - Developing leadership and communication skills and improving academic performance through structured team activities A1 - Bakhytzhan Ospanova A1 - Rakhila Aubakirova A1 - Gulnar Tursungozhinova A1 - Marina Skiba A1 - Gulsara Berikkhanova A1 - Roza Zhayeva A1 - Anarkan Attokurova A1 - Oxana Belenko A1 - Aliya Khairbekova A1 - Tina Manyapova JF - Journal of Advanced Pharmacy Education and Research JO - J Adv Pharm Educ Res SN - 2249-3379 Y1 - 2026 VL - 16 IS - 3 DO - 10.51847/fw50CDoSCD SP - 170 EP - 178 N2 - The advancement of digital technologies is transforming the educational environment. Esports stands out among the digital trends that have gained international popularity. This study is based on the assumption that integrating esports with mandatory physical training enhances students' athletic performance and fosters comprehensive leadership competences and social skills. The research analyzes the impact of regular esports training on university students' leadership qualities, academic performance, and social skills. The study employed a quasi-experimental methodology involving 100 students (two groups of 50 each), using validated assessment tools for leadership qualities (MLQ Form 5X-Short) and communication skills (Communication Skills Scale). The research program included esports training with an integrated physical exercise component for 16 weeks. The results demonstrate a statistically significant improvement in transformational leadership (p < 0.001) and developmental leadership (p < 0.001) within the experimental group. A strong correlation was identified between participation in esports activities and the development of communication skills (ρ = 0.68, p < 0.01). In addition, the experimental group showed statistically significant improvements in academic performance (p < 0.05) and class attendance (p < 0.05). These results expand the theoretical understanding of esports’ potential in the educational process and open new opportunities for developing innovative approaches to fostering students' leadership qualities.‎ UR - https://japer.in/article/developing-leadership-and-communication-skills-and-improving-academic-performance-through-structured-8brjm6xnlar8eyh ER -