The inaugural meeting of the Asian Mind Sports Association (AMSA) was successfully held in Bangkok, Thailand, marking a significant milestone in the development of mind sports across Asia.

Initiated the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA), the association unites national olympic committees and national mind sports organizations from across the continent in its mission to popularize and advance mind sports in Asia and to strengthen the region’s influence in sports on the global stage.

Captain Husain Al Musallam, OCA secretary-general, delivered the opening address at the meeting, which saw delegates adopt the draft constitution of the AMSA, an important step reflecting the shared vision and collective wisdom of the participating nations and regions, and laying a solid institutional foundation for the association’s future development.

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At the conference, members of the executive committee for the first term (2025–2029) were elected. Gordon Tang, OCA vice-president, was elected AMSA president. Anmar Ahmadi from Bahrain, Alimzhan Akayev from Kazakhstan, Du Li from Hong Kong, China, Thinley Palden Dorji from Bhutan, and Abraham Tolentino from the Philippines were elected as vice-presidents.

"The Asian Mind Sports Association will uphold the principles of fairness, justice, and transparency. We are committed to working hand-in-hand with mind sports organizations throughout Asia to promote the vibrant development of mind sports across the region," Tang said in his address following the election. 

AMSA covers the five major board games as well as various disciplines of poker. According to the association’s development plan, the first Asian Esports and Mind Sports Games is scheduled for 2025, aiming to bring together elite players from across the region to showcase their unique combination of intellectual prowess and competitive spirit.

The founding of the AMSA not only provides essential organizational support for the growth of mind sports in Asia but also creates a high-level platform for international exchange and competition. It is hoped that Asia’s top mind sports talents will soon make their mark on the global stage and bring new glory to the continent, organizers said.