For decades, minigolf was viewed as a lighthearted leisure activity—perfect for family outings, tourist attractions, or casual weekends. But across Asia, this perception is rapidly evolving. Minigolf is now a structured, competitive sport, complete with professional standards, international recognition, and a growing community of dedicated athletes.
Leading this transformation is the Asia Minigolf Sport Federation (AMF)—the official continental governing body recognized by the World Minigolf Sport Federation (WMF) and the Alliance of Independent Recognised Members of Sport (AIMS).
A New Era for Minigolf in Asia
Established in Chiang Mai, Thailand, the AMF serves as the unifying force for minigolf across the continent. Operating as a non-profit, democratic organization, it brings together national associations, clubs, coaches, and players from countries including India, Japan, China, Iran, Thailand, and beyond.
Minigolf may seem simple, but the precision, strategy, and mental focus required at the elite level are world-class.
— Dr. Pravin Manvatkar, President, AMF (India)
AMF’s mission is clear:
To promote, organize, and develop the sport of minigolf across Asia with fairness, inclusivity, and transparency.
From Casual Play to Continental Championships
AMF has built a professional competition calendar that includes:
- Asian Minigolf Championships
- Asian Youth Cup
- Nations Team Events
- Senior & Open Tournaments
These events follow WMF-approved rules, use certified courses, and adhere to the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) Code—ensuring clean, fair, and credible competition.
Each championship is more than a sporting event—it’s a celebration of unity, where athletes from diverse cultures compete with respect, skill, and national pride.
Leadership Driving Excellence
AMF’s success is powered by a diverse, experienced Executive Committee:
| Role | Name | Country |
| President | Dr. Pravin Manvatkar | India |
| Secretary General | Dr. Surajsingh Yeotikar | India |
| Sports Director | Ms. Yuki Koshimira | Japan |
| Finance Manager | Mr. Mehrdad Kaboli | Iran |
| Media & Marketing | Ms. Jinyu He | China |
This leadership team ensures regional representation, financial transparency, and strategic growth across all AMF initiatives.
Technical Standards: The Foundation of Fair Play
The AMF Technical Committee, led by experts such as:
- Ms. Riyoko Fujiwara (Japan)
- Mr. Rajesh Shendekar (India)
oversees:
- Course certification
- Equipment standards
- Scoring systems
- Official rule enforcement
This technical rigor guarantees that every AMF event meets international WMF standards, giving Asian players a credible path to global competition.
Youth Development: Growing the Future
Minigolf’s future lies in its youngest players. AMF’s Youth Committee, chaired by Chun Ling Liu (China) and supported by We Xia Li (China) and Hitomi Yoshioka (Japan), focuses on:
- Junior training programs
- National youth championships
- International skill camps
- Mentorship initiatives
We’re not just teaching putting—we’re building confidence, discipline, and lifelong friendships.
— Chun Ling Liu, Youth Committee Chair
These programs make minigolf accessible, fun, and developmental for children and teens across Asia.
Minigolf’s universal appeal is one of its greatest strengths:
- All ages can compete—children, adults, seniors
- Low physical barriers—no height, strength, or speed required
- Affordable infrastructure—courses fit in small spaces
- Inclusive categories—Men, Women, Youth, Seniors, Teams
This inclusivity has fueled rapid growth in countries building community sports programs.
Digital Modernization & Global Reach
Under Ms. Jinyu He (China), AMF’s Media & Marketing Division is bringing the sport into the digital age with:
- Live event streaming
- Real-time leaderboards
- Social media highlights
- Professional event photography
The official website—asianminigolf.org—serves as the central hub for:
- Event registration
- Membership applications
- Rankings & results
- News & updates
Global Recognition & Olympic Alignment
AMF’s partnerships elevate Asia’s voice in world minigolf:
- WMF Membership: Asian players compete in World Championships
- AIMS Recognition: Alignment with Olympic values and governance
These affiliations open doors to:
- International training exchanges
- Global ranking systems
- Cross-continental tournaments
Integrity & Ethics: Non-Negotiable
AMF upholds the highest standards through:
- WADA Anti-Doping Compliance
- Code of Ethics
- Gender Equality in leadership and competition
- Transparent Governance
Every player, coach, and official is part of a clean, respectful sport.
The Road Ahead: AMF’s Vision for 2030
AMF is expanding into new regions and launching bold initiatives:
| Goal | Plan |
| More Member Nations | Target Southeast Asia, Central Asia, Middle East |
| Training Academies | Establish regional coaching centers |
| Sustainability | Promote eco-friendly course materials |
| Women in Leadership | Increase female representation in committees |
By 2030, AMF aims to host major international events in Asia, showcasing innovative courses and world-class talent.
Join the Movement
Whether you’re a national association, local club, coach, or player, AMF invites you to be part of Asia’s minigolf revolution.
How to Get Involved:
- Submit Membership Application → asianminigolf.org/membership
- Receive Executive Committee Approval
- Participate in AMF Championships & Programs
Member Testimonials
“AMF gave me the chance to represent India internationally. The experience was life-changing.”
— Amit Sampat, Junior Player
“From beginner to competitor—the support, coaching, and community are unmatched.”
— John Matthews, Recreational Golfer
Explore AMF
Conclusion: A Legacy in the Making
What started as a fun activity is now a continental sport movement. The Asia Minigolf Sport Federation has proven that with vision, structure, and passion, even a small game can create a big impact.
From Japan’s precision putters to India’s rising stars, from China’s youth academies to Thailand’s championship hosts—Asia is redefining minigolf.
The fairways are open. The future is bright.
The rise of competitive minigolf in Asia has only just begun.
