International Go Federation
Encyclopedia
The International Go Federation is an international organization that connects the various national Go
federations around the world. It is usually referred to as IGF.
On April 7, 2006, the IGF became a member of the General Association of International Sports Federations (GAISF)
The IGF is a founding member of IMSA (International Mind Sports Association
).
The IGF organizes the yearly World Amateur Go Championship, which attracts over 65 countries.
As of 2011 the IGF has 71 member nations and 3 member associations.
Go (board game)
Go , is an ancient board game for two players that originated in China more than 2,000 years ago...
federations around the world. It is usually referred to as IGF.
Role of the IGF
The Role of the IGF is to promote the sport of Go throughout the World, promote amicable relations among members and improve World Go Organization. It does so by carrying out the following activities:- Organizing the World Amateur Go Championship and other International Go tournaments;
- Publishing and distributing to members up-to-date information on World Go Activities, through bulletins or on the IGF website;
- Other activities pertaining to the International development of Go.
Policies
The IGF is an apolitical and non-Religious organization, and strives to promote fair play amongst all players.History
Although the European Go Federation dates back to 1959, Japan has always been a strong supporter of Go around the world. The Japan Go Association organized the first World Go Amateur Championship in Japan, in 1979. Many of the top Go players from around the world and representatives from the major National Go Associations attended the event. Its success led to the founding of the International Go Federation on March 18, 1982, with Shizuo Asada presiding over the original 29 founding members.On April 7, 2006, the IGF became a member of the General Association of International Sports Federations (GAISF)
The IGF is a founding member of IMSA (International Mind Sports Association
International Mind Sports Association
The International Mind Sports Association is an institution of the world governing bodies for contract bridge, chess, draughts , and go, namely the World Bridge Federation , World Chess Federation , World Draughts Federation , and International Go Federation...
).
The IGF organizes the yearly World Amateur Go Championship, which attracts over 65 countries.
As of 2011 the IGF has 71 member nations and 3 member associations.
IGF Presidents
- Shizuo Asada, Professional Go Player and founding President of the IGF, 1982–1997 ;
- Fumio Watanabe, 1997–2001;
- Matsuo Toshimitsu, 2001–2004;
- Masao KatoMasao Kato- Titles and runners-up :Ranks #4 in total amount of titles in Japan.-Books:*Kato's Attack and Kill ISBN 4-87187-027-2*The Chinese Opening ISBN 4-906574-33-5-External links:...
, Professional 9-dan Go player, 2004–2005 (unfortunately was taken ill and died at the End of 2004); - Norio KudoNorio Kudois a professional Go player.- Biography :Kudo turned professional in 1955 and was promoted to 9 dan in 1976. Although he did not win many tournaments, he was known for teaching Go to many people, even if they were just starting to learn, or were about to turn 1 dan...
, Professional 9-dan go player, 2005–2007 - Hiromu Okabe, Chairman of the Board of Directors for the Nihon Ki-in, President of the Denso Corporation, 2007–2009
- Otake Hideo, Chairman of the Board of Directors for the Nihon Ki-in, 2009–2010 – present
- CHANG ZhenmingChang ZhenmingChang Zhenming is the chairman and of CITIC Group and the chairman and managing director of CITIC Pacific, CITIC's Hong Kong listed subsidiary company. He was the President of China Construction Bank from 2004 to 2006.Mr...
, Vice Chairman and President of CITIC Group, 2010–present