The 9th General Congress of the World Xiangqi Federation Held in Shanghai

—Professor Wang Liming Elected Vice President

On 22 September, the 9th Congress of the World Xiangqi Federation was held in Shanghai, China. A total of 37 representatives from 26 member organisations of the Federation attended the meeting. The Congress elected the members of the 9th Executive Committee. Mr. Timothy Fok, Honorary Member of the International Olympic Committee, was re-elected as President of the World Xiangqi Federation, and Professor Liming Wang, Director of the UCD Irish Institute for Chinese Studies, was elected as a Vice President.

The World Xiangqi Federation was officially established in Beijing on 6 April 1993, with representatives from 20 countries and regions across Asia, Europe, the Americas, and Oceania attending the inaugural meeting. The Congress adopted the Constitution of the World Xiangqi Federation. The Federation’s mission is to promote the development of Xiangqi worldwide. Mr. Henry Fok Ying Tung from Hong Kong, China, was elected as the first President, and in 1997, Mr. Timothy Fok from Hong Kong, China, succeeded him and has served as President ever since.

Professor Liming Wang is the current President of the Irish Xiangqi Association. He attended the 9th Congress of the World Xiangqi Federation as the representative of the Association and stood for election as a Vice President, receiving unanimous support. The Irish Xiangqi Association was established on March 5, 2016, under the auspices of the UCD Confucius Institute, and was officially registered on October 18, 2023. Its Secretariat is located at the UCD Confucius Institute. Since its establishment, the Association has organised the annual “Confucius Cup” Xiangqi Tournament and twice hosted the European Xiangqi Championships. Notably, in 2023, it successfully hosted the 4th World Xiangqi Open.

Xiangqi, a treasured gem of Chinese culture, is a mind sport that combines wisdom, enjoyment, and unique charm. Yet, much remains to be done in promoting Xiangqi internationally. As an institution dedicated to the teaching and promotion of Chinese language and culture worldwide, the Confucius Institute has the unshirkable responsibility in advancing the global presence of Xiangqi.