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by Geoffrey Borg CEO of IMSA

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Skillhub Online Games Federation (SOGF) Signs Historic Agreement with International Mind Sports Association (IMSA) to Revolutionize Online Gaming in India

New Delhi, September 2, 2024 – The Skillhub Online Games Federation (SOGF) has made a significant leap forward in the world of online gaming by signing a historic cooperation agreement with the International Mind Sports Association (IMSA). This landmark partnership is set to revolutionize the online gaming landscape across India and the sub-continent, creating a dynamic and vibrant ecosystem for gamers, developers, and enthusiasts under the expansive umbrella of Mind Games.

The momentous agreement was formalized at a prestigious board meeting held at Taj Palace, New Delhi, with several esteemed leaders from both organizations in attendance, including:

– Shri Shankar Aggarwal, President, SOGF

– Shri Gurusharan Singh, Secretary General, SOGF

– Shri Nandan Kumar Jha, Founder & Advisor, SOGF

– Shri Sibtain Baqri, CEO, SOGF

– Mr. Geoffery Borg, CEO, IMSA

Key Statements from the Dignitaries

This is a momentous step forward for online gaming in India and the surrounding region. Our collaboration with IMSA will not only enhance the gaming experience but also contribute to the global recognition of India’s growing prowess in eSports and online gaming. The governance framework we are establishing will ensure that our growth is sustainable, ethical, and inclusive. – Sh. Shankar Aggarwal, President, SOGF

Strategic Intent and Future Growth

As part of the agreement, SOGF has secured the rights to host online gaming events across India and the subcontinent, including Pakistan, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and Nepal. This expanded reach will allow SOGF to spearhead the development of the online gaming sector throughout the region, further enhancing its influence and presence on the global eSports stage.

This partnership with IMSA is a testament to our commitment to creating an ecosystem that supports innovation and offers new opportunities for everyone involved in online gaming. We believe that this agreement will bring significant benefits to gamers, developers, and stakeholders across the region. – Sh. Gurusharan Singh, Secretary General, SOGF

The board meeting also focused on the strategic intent of the agreement, with in-depth discussions around the establishment, governance, and ongoing development of the online gaming ecosystem. Both SOGF and IMSA expressed optimism that this partnership will create a robust platform for the future growth of the industry.

As SOGF continues to make significant strides in the online gaming world, this partnership with IMSA is seen as a milestone that will help cement India’s position on the global eSports map. The agreement is just the beginning of what promises to be an exciting journey for the online gaming community in the region.

The signing of this agreement marks a significant milestone for India’s online gaming landscape. SOGF, led by Founder & Advisor Sh. Nandan Kumar Jha, is committed to positioning India as a global leader in online gaming, fostering a community recognized for innovation and excellence.

Sh. Sibtain Baqri, CEO of SOGF, emphasized the collaboration with IMSA as a crucial step toward building a robust ecosystem for online gaming in India and internationally.

Mr. Geoffery Borg, CEO of IMSA, expressed excitement for the partnership, highlighting its potential to drive innovation and development in the gaming industry across the region.

About SOGF

The Skillhub Online Games Federation (SOGF) is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to transforming India’s online gaming sector into a global leader. SOGF is committed to promoting, regulating, and leading with integrity, aligned with the progressive guidelines of the IT Laws 2023. The Federation draws inspiration from the Olympic and Paralympic movements, fostering a culture of inclusivity, excellence, and fair play in the online gaming industry.

About IMSA

The International Mind Sports Association (IMSA) was founded in Berlin, Germany, in 2005, during the GAISF annual convention. IMSA works towards the recognition and development of mind sports globally, with a focus on enhancing education, life skills, and intelligence through the practice of these sports. IMSA is committed to fostering intellectual and emotional growth through mind sports, in liaison with global stakeholders including the IOC and SportAccord.

IMSA membership currently stands at 8: including the 4 founding international federations, World Bridge Federation (WBF), Fédération Mondiale du Jeu de Dames (FMJD), and Fédération Internationale des Échecs (FIDE) and International Go Federation (IGF),

The World Xiangqi Federation (WXF) was added in 2015, the Mahjong International League (MIL) in 2017, the Federation of Card Games (FCG) in 2018 and International eSports Federation in 2022. The World Poker Federation has also joined IMSA as an Observer.

Sheikh Musaad Al Zwaihri sent a letter of congratulations to Hish Highness the Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman Al Saud on the formal decision to setup a Gaming and Mind Sports Authority in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. A copy of the letter can be found here.

Success among competitors, CBTH promoted the 5th edition of the Brazilian Teams Poker Championship. The event took place in São Paulo, between the 27th and 28th of July, and featured 18 states in the tournament.

32 players from 7 countries joined the #1 qualification tournament online for the 1st OEDMC, from 1700 on 19 Sept, 2020 (CET).

Among three hours` fighting, 32 players played under the seating scheme as adaptive duplicate similar performance, to ensure players playing with other 3 similar performance players, compared to his opponents.

After 32 deals in individual duplicate, top 3 players were succeeding to win the qualification:

1. irina484, Russia

2. DrunkCrystalDragon, Russia

3. ENMVdiana, Netherlands

To see full results please refer to List of tournaments, tournament # 8719.(https://mahjongsoft.com/tournaments.php#games)

More qualification tournaments will be held at 5 p.m. on Saturday, and 2 p.m. on Sunday (CET), from 19 Sept to 18 Oct, on mahjongsoft.com

To Honorable News Media Friends and Other Honorable Friends:

By the resolution of Executive Committee of the World Xiangqi Federation on November 4, 2022, American Xiangqi Association was awarded the right to hold the 18th World Xiangqi Championships in Houston, Texas. Year of 2023 is also the 30th Anniversary of the founding of the World Xiangqi Federation. After careful planning and coordination with relevant parties, Houston Xiangqi Association has decided to hold 18th World Xiangqi Championship from November 19 to 25, 2023 at the prestigious hotel of Royal Sonesta Houston Galleria. This is the first time ever to hold such an event in the United States. Being chosen by the World Xiangqi Federation to organize and host the 2023 world championship is an honor not only for Houston but for the whole country.

We invite all of our news media friends and other guests to attend the Press Conference set on February 10, Friday, at 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm at the beautiful balcony of Royal Sonesta Houston Galleria at 2222 West Loop South, Houston, TX 77056, during which local dignitaries, business leaders and other guests will attend as well. Complimentary hors d’oeuvre and wine will be provided. All guests will get a discount for self-parking at the event.

The World Xiangqi Championship is expected to include delegations from around 30 countries and regions around the world. More than 120 world-class players are expected to compete in men’s, women’s, and junior competitions. All participants and friends will be able to attend the grand opening and closing ceremonies in which all the top chess players, local dignitaries and community leaders are expected to come to celebrate.

The Houston Xiangqi Association is a founding member of the American Xiangqi Federation. It was established in July 1998 to advance the development of the game in Houston and throughout the US. Hosting this Championship will not only help to promote game of Xiangqi but will greatly enhance Houston’s international reputation and standing. Participants and guests will be able to experience the hospitality and diversity of the 4th largest city in the US.

Please contact us with any questions you may have. We look forward to seeing you!

Yushan Hu, Ph.D James Shu, JD & LLM

President, Houston Xiangqi Association General Counsel, World Xiangqi Federation

Tel: +713-2069238 Tel: 713-5620606

Email: yushanhu74@yahoo.com Email: shu_xj@msn.com

Tel: 713-2069238

Email: yushanhu74@yahoo.com Wechat ID: yushanhu74

Tel: 713-5620606

Email: shu_xj@msn.com Wechat ID: jamesxshu

The 2023 Transatlantic Professional Go Team Championship was held online. The NAGF (North American Go Federation) team won the first two rounds on September 16th and 30th with a score of 3-0. The EGF (European Go Federation) team won the last round on October 7th with a score of 2-1, so the final score was 2-1 in favour of the American team.

The games were commented live on the EGF Twitch channel by the members of both teams. Game records, a complete tournament table, and more information are available on the 2023 Transatlantic Professional Go Team Championship web page.

One of the players who delivered a victory to the European team in the last round was Ali Jabarin 2p – below you can see his game against Eric Lui 2p.

White wins by resignation.

IESF Welcomes Bian Hongfeng as the Newest Board Member

The International Esports Federation today announced the appointment of Bian Hongfeng from China as a new member of the IESF Board. Hongfeng will help foster meaningful relationships in the region and play a key role in promoting innovation and technological advancements in the esports ecosystem.

Hongfeng currently serves as the Vice Chairman of Taishan Sports Industry Group and President of Shenzhen Taishan Sports Technology Co., Ltd. He has overseen numerous sports technology research projects designed for some of the most renowned international sports organizations and bodies. Taishan Sports received the Gold Award during the 2018 China Excellent Industrial Design Awards.

Hongfeng also serves as the People’s Representative of Dezhou City and Vice Secretary-General of the Jinan City Youth Entrepreneurs Association. His commitment and involvement in youth development and extensive experience in sports technology and public administration in China will significantly contribute to IESF’s vision, goals, and objectives.

“We are extremely proud to welcome Bian Hongfeng to the IESF Board. His dedication and expertise in esports, technology, and youth will significantly contribute to IESF’s mission of uniting the World Esports Family and the advancement of esports. We look forward to further growing IESF’s presence in China and working together to solidify the region as a global esports hub.”

IESF Secretary General Boban Totovski

IESF recently signed a strategic partnership with the Chinese city of Qingdao to promote esports growth and development within the Asian region. A new IESF Asia-Pacific office will be established to host international events in Asia and encourage cooperation among key industry stakeholders.

IESF strengthens the Board with the appointment of Prince Omar Bin Faisal

The International Esports Federation (IESF) is pleased to announce the addition of HRH Prince Omar bin Faisal to its Board. Prince Omar brings a wealth of knowledge that transcends gaming from his position as Interim President of the Jordan Esports Federation and a member of the Board of Directors of the Arab Esports Federation.

As an IESF Board member and in his newly appointed position as Chair of the Gaming for Good Commission, which is responsible for society contribution in the form of organizing charity events, donations, and promoting community wellbeing activities, he expressed his commitment to achieving the potential of Esports and spreading its values worldwide. Prince Omar also emphasized Esports’ role in fostering greater inclusivity across sports, especially in offering opportunities to women and those with disabilities.

Prince Omar said:

“It is not just a game. Esports offer a unique opportunity for the youth to transform their lives, and it goes beyond the realm of mere gameplay. Esports doesn’t discriminate, it levels the playing field and enables individuals of all backgrounds, including those with disabilities, to participate and excel. I would also like to include more women and promote mixed teams. We study together, so why can’t we play together? Esports not only hone communication skills but also transcend physical boundaries. Gamers can be of all races and colors. You don’t know who you’re talking to behind the microphone. Gaming has opened up doors to understanding and appreciating other cultures.”

Prince Omar is determined to address the challenges faced by Esports athletes, including toxic environments and equal access to servers for all gamers.

He added:

“We must educate players and create a safe space where everyone can compete without fear. Proper internet infrastructure is essential to make gaming accessible to all. Equal access to servers also ensures a balanced playing field, no matter where you compete from, and will empower everyone to perform at their best. Under the leadership of the IESF President and in collaboration with my fellow Board members, I would like to use my board position and my role as the head of the Gaming for Good Commission to make gaming accessible to as many as possible across the world, especially the underprivileged. Esports can contribute to bringing down social barriers and foster greater inclusivity and equality in a way that many sports cannot. Esports does not discriminate and we have a responsibility to do all we can to attract more girls, women and those with disabilities to play, enjoy, and be empowered through Esports.”

The IESF warmly welcomes Prince Omar and looks forward to the positive impact his expertise and vision will bring to the world of Esports.

The world of draughts witnessed a thrilling conclusion to its most prestigious event today, as Y. Anikeev and V. Motrichko from Ukraine were crowned the World Champions.

Congratulations to Y. Anikeev and V. Motrichko on their well-deserved victory!

2023 FIDE Grand Swiss brings grand expectations

The strongest Swiss event of the year is around the corner. In the scenic Isle of Man, the first round starts on 25 October and in the next 12 days we will witness a magnificent chess spectacle full of fierce battles. The Grand Swiss is a pivotal part of the FIDE World Championship cycle. Its democratic nature attracts players from all over the world, giving them a chance to qualify for the Candidates Tournament.

Two coveted top spots in the open event and two in the women’s tournament lead to Toronto, where next spring the FIDE Candidates Tournament and the FIDE Women’s Candidates Tournament will take place. This is a chance to write one’s name in chess history, a chance that in the past was available only to selected few.

114 players will be playing in the open section.

The list of favourites includes Fabiano Caruana, who already has qualified for Toronto from the World Cup in Baku, Hikaru Nakamura, who will seek a return to the Candidates that went so well for him (except for the last round) last year in Madrid, Alireza Firouzja, the winner of the previous Grand Swiss in Riga 2021, Anish Giri, who desperately wants another shot at the title after his last Candidates appearance in 2020/21 in Yekaterinburg, Gukesh D, who at 17 entered the top 10 and became India’s number one after 37 years of Anand’s domination. These are only the top five on the starting list, but you should check the full list and pick your favourites, though you’ll have a hard time with such a wide choice!

Photo: Saint Louis Chess Club | Lennart Ootes

The Grand Swiss is also a part of the FIDE Circuit and it adds an additional twist to the tournament intrigue. The winner of the FIDE Circuit will qualify for the Candidates Tournament and there is an intense battle underway for the top spot. The current leader of the Circuit, Fabiano Caruana, has already qualified, so second placed Gukesh D and third placed Anish Giri, the two players who have a reasonable chance of winning it, will try to do their best in this event.

There are 50 registered players in the women section.

Former candidates and World Champions top the starting list: Aleksandra Goryachkina, the current holder of the World Cup, winner of the Candidates Tournament in 2019 and runner-up of the World Championship match in 2020; 12th Women’s World Champion Alexandra Kosteniuk, also winner of the World Cup in 2021, 15th Women’s World Champion Mariya Muzychuk, 16th Women’s World Champion Tan Zhongyi and World Championship runner-up and World Rapid and Blitz Champion Anna Muzychuk (pictured below).

Photo: David Llada

Both tournaments will have record-breaking prize funds. In the open section the prize fund is $460,000 while in the women section it amounts to $140,000.

Fans can follow the Grand Swiss 2023 by watching live broadcast of the event with expert commentary on FIDE YouTube and Twitch with expert commentary by GM David Howell and IM Jovanka Houska.

Get ready for a remarkable display of chess prowess at the Isle of Man and may the best players win!

The official website of the tournament: grandswiss.fide.com

Written by GM Alex Colovic