New Delhi
Nandan Kumar Jha has been elected as the president of the International Mind Sports Association (IMSA), a global body dedicated to promoting and governing mind sports. The announcement was made during IMSA’s annual general assembly in São Paulo, Brazil.
The IMSA, which represents over 200 member countries, collaborates with the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and other global sports federations to elevate mind sports to the global sports arena. The organization oversees nine sports, including chess, draughts, esports, poker, go, and bridge.
IMSA CEO Geoffrey Borg expressed optimism about Jha’s leadership, stating, “His passion for intellectual games and proven leadership abilities align with IMSA’s mission. Together, we aim to make mind sports more accessible and impactful, empowering communities worldwide.”
Jha, whose nomination came from the World Draughts Federation, shared his vision for the future: “I aim to make mind sports more inclusive and accessible, inspiring millions to participate in these disciplines for personal and collective growth.”
As president, Jha is expected to spearhead initiatives to integrate mind sports into mainstream global sports, highlighting their cognitive and cultural significance.