Singapore parliament passes bill recognising esports as a sport

Singapore‘s Parliament has passed a bill that formally recognises esports and mind sports, such as chess, as a sport after passing a bill on January 14th, 2026.

The amendments to the Singapore Sports Council Bill formally updated the Singapore Sports Council Act from 1973 to include esports and mind sports within its definition of ‘sports’.

As a result of the amendments passed through parliament, Sport Singapore (SportSG) will provide support based on the needs and governing standards of each activity. The newly-formalised bill aims to secure the future of Singapore’s sporting landscape as new forms of competition continue to emerge.

In addition to the formal recognition of esports, the bill has increased the powers of SportSG, which will establish new training facilities for athletes, alongside setting new standards for coaching and sports science.

“The bill is an important enabler in driving Singapore’s sporting culture, and for our national sport ecosystem to be inclusive, dynamic, and future-ready,” said David Neo, Minister for Culture, Community and Youth. “It reaffirms that sport is for everyone, regardless of age or ability, and our effort for every Singaporean to live better through sport.”