After the Google Deep Mind Challenge match between AlphaGo VS Lee Sedol held in Seoul, South Korea, go immediately attracted the attention of mankind in 2016. It became an opportunity for people around the world to predict and prepare for changes in near future. In the era of the Fourth Industrial Revolution, represented by artificial intelligence, I am happy and proud to be with go players around the world in that Go has opened the new era. At this point, I am pleased to meet go players from all over the world through the 41st World Amateur Go Championship. The World Amateur Go Championship is one of the biggest competitions for amateur players from all over the world who represent each country.

I apologize for the championship scheduled for 2020 has been postponed due to Covid-19, and I hope the 41st World Amateur Go Championship will be held safely in Vladivostok, Russia in 2021. I sincerely hope Russian Go fans would be able to watch the world's best players through this competition.

I believe this championship will play as an important role in the development of go around the world. The competition will not only improve the skills of go players, but also provide a venue for a wide range of information exchange and festivals. In addition, I hope the 41st World Amateur Go Championship will serve as a catalyst for introducing go to all mankind in the world.

The International Go Federation was founded in 1982 with 29 member countries. Since then, go has become so popular that more than 40 million people enjoyed it, and 77 countries from five continents have joined the International go Federation. Go is becoming more popular overseas in that it is an intellectual sport that can be enjoyed by mankind beyond borders, language, ages, gender and culture.

The Korea Baduk Association held the 35th World Amateur Go Championship in 2014 at Gyeongju, South Korea, and held next one in Bangkok, Thailand in the following year. I am pleased that the World Amateur Go Championship is held in various countries except Korea, China and Japan, which could boost the international distribution of go.

Once again, I would like to express my deepest gratitude to all of you for your hard work and efforts so that the World Amateur Go Championship could be successfully held in Russia next year. I sincerely hope the Covid-19 to be eased next year so that players from all over the world will be able to gather in one place.

"The game of Go has been connecting people since ancient times. People also like it because it teaches you out-of-the-box thinking and helps develop the skill of finding innovative solutions.

Go embodies oriental wisdom and I am proud that the World Championship will be held specifically in the Russian Far East. The common Asia-Pacific space opens up unique possibilities for collaboration, cultural enrichment and intellectual exchange. Every year our connections become stronger, more profound and versatile. We hold this friendship in high esteem and cherish it.

At the 41st World Amateur Go Championship our players will face the strongest masters from all over the world. I'm sure that Russian players have something to surprise our eastern guests with! I wish all the players luck, inspiration, strength and composure!

All the participants and guests, welcome to Vladivostok!"