The new media platform will be used for the first time in an event that will some of the world's best brains competing in bridge, chess, draughts, go and xiangqi - Chinese chess - in the World Mind Games, which will take place from December 8 until 16 in Beijing.

Working with the local organising committee and Beijing Television, IEC will offer a global live feed, daily highlights, live web-steaming and integrated Swiss Timing graphics to a range of international media platforms.

SportAccord have also created a dedicated YouTube channel that will air the events.

"We are extremely happy to appoint IEC in Sports, who are one of the major TV distributors in the world for Olympic sporting disciplines," said SportAccord President Hein Verbruggen.

"We need to see a wider range of sports attract viewers and participants.

"This is part of the core mission of SportAccord."

Daniel Franck, chief executive of IEC in Sports, said: "We relish the challenge of discovering and promoting some fantastic sports that currently do not receive the media attention they deserve.

"SportAccord's vision to stage them professionally and in tandem with others will magnify their impact and relevance."

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