Singapore takes a huge leap in formally recognising esports as a sport with the introduction of the Singapore Sports Council (Amendment) Bill 2025. Read for the first time in Parliament on November 4th, the bill proposes to include mind sports and esports within the country’s official definition of “sports,” marking a groundbreaking shift in Singapore’s national sporting policy.
Once enacted, the bill will empower the Singapore Sports Council (SSC) to expand its role to include structured support for esports — from athlete development and coaching standards to facility accreditation and funding. This means Singapore takes a huge leap in formally recognising esports as a sport not just in name but through institutional backing that places digital athletes on equal footing with traditional sports professionals.
SEE MORE:
- Guwahati Set to Host Its First-Ever Test Match with a Historic Twist – 2025
- Quinton de Kock 123 vs Pakistan: South Africa Crush Hosts by Eight Wickets to Level ODI Series
Legislative and Industry Impact
The amendment, known as Bill No. 19/2025, awaits approval by President Tharman Shanmugaratnam and the Parliament of Singapore. If passed, Singapore takes a huge leap in formally recognising esports as a sport by embedding it within its legislative framework, giving the SSC authority to promote esports alongside football, swimming, or athletics. The bill also proposes expanding SSC membership from 15 to 25, ensuring a broader representation for new sports sectors like esports.
Razer CEO Min-Liang Tan celebrated the move as a “progressive step forward,” stating that Singapore takes a huge leap in formally recognising esports as a sport and validating the passion of its gaming community. He emphasized that the reform opens structured career pathways for young talents, combining digital skill with professional discipline — a sentiment shared across the country’s growing esports ecosystem.
A Growing Hub for Global Esports
In recent years, Singapore has hosted major tournaments like The International 2022 and fostered talents such as Dota 2’s Daryl “iceiceice” Koh and League of Legends’ Wong “Chawy” Xing Lei. This amendment reinforces that Singapore takes a huge leap in formally recognising esports as a sport, strengthening its identity as a regional gaming hub. By merging gaming with technology and national sports development, Singapore takes a huge leap in formally recognising esports as a sport — setting an inspiring precedent for other nations to follow.
SEE MORE:
