Last night, the Chinese Go Association announced the passing of its honorary president and renowned Go master Nie Weiping, who died in Beijing at the age of 74.
Nie Weiping was a pivotal figure in the resurgence of Chinese Go in the 20th century. In the 1980s, during the Sino-Japanese Go matches, he emerged as a key player, defeating several top Japanese Go masters and creating what is known as the “Battlefield Myth.” This success greatly lifted the national spirit and earned him the title of “Saint of Go” from the National Sports Commission and the Chinese Go Association, igniting a nationwide passion for the game.
Throughout his career, Nie served as the head coach of the national Go team, nurturing talents such as world champions Chang Hao. He was instrumental in promoting and developing Go across China and facilitating its global outreach, leaving an indelible mark on the game.
Nie Weiping’s passing represents a significant loss for the Go community and the sports world at large. His fighting spirit and remarkable achievements will be remembered forever. His legacy not only inspires future generations of Go players but also serves as a testament to the profound impact one individual can have on a sport and a nation’s cultural identity.