Nandan Kumar Jha has made history as the first Indian to lead the International Mind Sports Association (IMSA), a global governing body representing nine mind sports across 200 countries. Known for his dedication to fostering intellectual growth and inclusivity, Jha’s election marks a new era of leadership aimed at transforming mind sports into tools for critical thinking, creativity, and global unity.
India has made a significant stride in the world of international sports. Nandan Kumar Jha, a prominent figure in the mind sports arena, has been elected as the first Indian President of the International Mind Sports Association (IMSA), the leading global body for governing and promoting mind sports.
The announcement was made during IMSA’s Annual General Assembly in Sao Paulo, Brazil on November 16. The 44-year-old Indian succeeds Sheikh Musaad Alzwaihri of Saudi Arabia, with his nomination proposed by the World Draughts Federation, where Jha currently serves as Vice President.
With affiliated international federations representing nine mind sports—including Chess, Draughts, Esports, Poker, Go, and Bridge—IMSA commands an extensive network of 200 member countries.
Jha becomes the first Indian to lead an umbrella international sports body representing 200 countries and multiple sports disciplines. While Indian sports administrators have previously held prestigious leadership positions in global federations, none have led an organization of IMSA’s scale and diversity.
Jha, a 44-year-old Indian, was nominated for the presidency by the World Draughts Federation, where he serves as Honorary Vice President. His election positions him among a distinguished group of Indian sports leaders, including Narinder Batra, former President of the International Hockey Federation (FIH); Anil Khanna, interim President of the Asian Tennis Federation; N Ramachandran, former President of the World Squash Federation; and Ajay Singh, President of the International Boxing Association (IBA). Notably, Jha is the youngest Indian to hold such a prominent leadership role on the international sports stage.
“Nandan’s election as IMSA President is a proud moment for the global mind sports community. His dedication, vision, and leadership will bring a fresh perspective to the promotion and growth of mind sports worldwide. Under his guidance, IMSA will scale new heights, fostering greater inclusivity and innovation across all intellectual games,” said Jacek Pawlicki, President of the World Draughts Federation.
Commenting on his appointment, Jha said: “It is an honor to serve as the President of IMSA and a responsibility I take with great humility. Mind sports are not just games; they are tools for fostering intellectual growth, strategic thinking, and empathy. My vision is to make mind sports more inclusive and accessible, inspiring millions to engage in these disciplines for personal and collective growth.”
IMSA, which collaborates with the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and other global sports federations, represents nine mind sports, including Chess, Draughts, Esports, Poker, Go, and Bridge. With affiliates in 200 countries, IMSA champions cognitive excellence, cultural exchange, and strategic development, aiming to integrate mind sports into mainstream global sports frameworks.
Appointing Nandan Jha as President of IMSA marks the beginning of an exciting chapter for mind sports on the global stage. His passion for intellectual games and his proven ability to lead impactful initiatives resonate deeply with IMSA’s mission. I look forward to working with him as we strive to make mind sports more accessible, empowering communities worldwide to embrace their cognitive and cultural benefits,” said Geoffrey Borg, CEO of IMSA.
Under Jha’s leadership, IMSA is set to expand its programs, advocating for the inclusion of mind sports in educational curricula and international events. His vision emphasizes the role of intellectual games in fostering critical thinking and problem-solving skills, making them more inclusive and accessible.
A recipient of India’s National Bravery Award (1997) and the Jeevan Raksha Padak (1998), Jha is recognized for his courage and dedication to public welfare. Beyond his IMSA role, he founded and advises the Skillhub Online Games Federation (SOGF) in India, a nonprofit advocating for the development and regulation of esports and online games.
