Singapore Officially Recognizes Esports and Mind Sports as Sports

Singapore’s Parliament passed the Singapore Sports Council (Amendment) Bill on Jan 14, 2026, legally recognizing esports and mind sports such as chess and bridge as official sports alongside traditional athletic disciplines. The move updates the Singapore Sports Council Act of 1973, broadening the statutory definition of “sports” to reflect competitive digital and cognitive activities.

The bill was first introduced on Nov 4, 2025, by Acting Minister for Culture, Community and Youth, David Neo. He emphasized that “the gameplay and disciplines of mind sports and esports will continue to evolve,” and highlighted that Parliament’s action affirms Singapore’s commitment to an inclusive and future-ready sporting ecosystem.

Under the amended law, Sport Singapore (SportSG) will broaden its role to support esports and mind sports through governance standards, athlete development pathways, and tailored resource allocation. Along with overseeing training and educational infrastructure for athletes, SportSG will support “specific needs, governance standards and contributions to national sporting objectives.”

The bill also integrates the Singapore National Paralympic Council as SportSG’s key partner, alongside the Singapore National Olympic Council, strengthening inclusivity among national athletes.

Expanded Mandate for Esports and Mind Sports Growth in Singapore’s New Bill

Neo said the expansion ensures that “sport is for everyone, regardless of age or ability,” and will help nurture a diverse range of athletes, including competitive gamers and chess players, by providing a structured environment backed by national policy and institutional support.

He further emphasized, “We will continue to work closely with partners in the sport ecosystem and industry to ensure smooth implementation of this Bill.” 

Under the amended law, SportSG’s enhanced mandate would develop and train national athletes by establishing institutions. It would also provide career support for national athletes. SportSG will receive a mandate to form an institute, consolidating the SSP and the High Performance Sports Institute (HPSI), as announced in 2025.  

As per the bill, SportSG will closely work with the Singapore’s Ministry of Education to develop academic curricula for Singapore Sports School, and oversee sports activities.

Singapore Strengthens its Position as an Esports Hub with New Bill

The legislative change aligns with Singapore’s recent track record as a host of major esports events, reinforcing the country’s status as a competitive gaming hub in Southeast Asia. Singapore secured multi-year event partnerships, including BLAST events backed by the Singapore Tourism Board. The country will host parts of PGL’s Counter-Strike 2 Major in November 2026.

Beyond esports, mind sports like chess already enjoy international competitive legitimacy. The country hosted its first World Chess Championship back in 2024 and observed a 20% increase from 2022’s statistics in chess players.

The Singapore digital content and esports platforms market was valued at approximately 670M in 2024, driven by high-speed internet adoption and extensive mobile gaming engagement. By embedding esports and mind sports into the national sports framework, Singapore aims to leverage the current growth momentum of the Southeast Asian esports market. It aims to support competitive pathways while aligning with governance standards that oversee athlete development and operational integrity.