FIDE President Arkady Dvorkovich opens 2025 Women’s World Cup
Players, guests and accompanying persons enjoyed a wonderful gala of traditional music and dance, backed by a screening of historical images of Georgian women’s chess. Beautified by a magnificent crystal chandelier, the 600-seat Batumi Drama Theatre hosted this evening the opening ceremony of the 2025 FIDE Women’s World Cup, with the prominent presence of FIDE President Arkady Dvorkovich. Together with the other main authorities and guests, most of the 107 players from 46 countries who will compete in the third edition of this tournament, enjoyed a relaxing evening of music and dance before the battle commences tomorrow on the chess board. At 19.30 local time sharp, under the deep and resonant sound of the gong, on the closed curtain of the theatre, the title of the tournament suddenly appeared: “FIDE Women’s’ World Cup Batumi 2025“. At the same time, the host’s voice could be heard, loud and clear, first in Georgian and then in English – “Ladies and gentlemen, we are beginning the official opening ceremony of the FIDE Women’s World Cup!”. A projection of the Georgian flag appeared on the curtain, and the Georgian national anthem was played, followed by the FIDE Anthem.” The orchestra played their first piece – “I used to rule the world” by Coldplay, followed by the “Khorumi” – a traditional Georgian war dance. The dancers performing the Khorumibrought out the flags – Georgian flag, the FIDE flag and the flag of Adjara. The presenter hosts welcomed the guests and affirmed that the prestigious event is organized by the International Chess Federation (FIDE) and the Georgian Chess Federation, with the generous support of the Ministry of Sport of Georgia, the Government of the Autonomous Republic of Adjara, the Batumi City Hall, the Ministry of Health of Adjara, and the Department of Tourism and Resorts of Adjara. They stated that the FIDE Women’s World Cup stands as one of the most significant and prestigious competitions on the global chess calendar, uniting the world’s strongest and most accomplished female chess players under one roof, and for Georgia it is a profound honor to host an event of such scale and prestige, reaffirming Georgia’s outstanding contribution to the global advancement and promotion of chess, and underscoring the country’s esteemed position within the international chess community. Akaki Iashvili, President of the Georgian Chess Federation and Special Tasks Director of the FIDE Management Board, took the stage and welcomed everyone on behalf of the Georgian Chess Federation. He extended a special and heartfelt greeting to Arkady Dvorkovich, President of FIDE and a true friend of Georgia, who had arrived in Batumi a few days before and awarded the winners of the U-8-U12 World Cup. Akaki also warmly acknowledged the presence of Mahir Mammedov, Vice President of FIDE. His speech was delivered with passion and determination – “It is a matter of great pride that Georgia is hosting the FIDE Women’s World Cup for the very first time. We are equally proud that seven Georgian players are competing in this elite field, representing our country with distinction. Between 1962 and 1991, Nona Gaprindashvili and Maia Chiburdanidzeheld the title of Women’s World Champion. In the decades since, Georgia has hosted numerous high-level FIDE and European tournaments, including the 2018 Chess Olympiad, and has developed extensive experience in organizing international competitions of the highest standard.We are fully committed to ensuring that all participants have the best possible environment to compete, excel, and enjoy their time in Georgia.” Akaki Iashvili also thanked all the supporters of the event – “On behalf of the Georgian Chess Federation, I would like to express our sincere appreciation to the Ministry of Sport of Georgia, the Government of the Autonomous Republic of Adjara, and the Batumi City Hall for their invaluable support in making this event possible. I wish all participants an inspiring tournament and every success — both on and off the chessboard.” Amidst a round of applause, Akaki Iashvili invited FIDE President Arkady Dvorkovich to the stage. True to his style, FIDE President was brief and to the point, with his singular sense of humour. First, he expressed his gratitude to the Ministry of Culture of Adjara, the development company Horizons Group, and the Batumi State Drama Theatre for supporting the opening ceremony. He continued: “It’s good to be back. I was performing my first tasks as FIDE President in the Batumi 2018 Olympiad, and hopefully it won’t be the last time I am here! Batumi is one of the best places to organise a World Cup and I am glad that we have put our trust in the Georgian Chess Federation. You will all experience the traditional hospitality of the organizing team, the best playing conditions, and continue the tradition of the Georgian chess school and all the women champions”. Arkady Dvorkovich concluded: “It won’t be easy, there is tough competition, but I trust that you will be role models for all the young girls who try to do their best. We need you to show your enjoyment for playing chess, so that the younger kids who won the medals last week can improve and have fun, and maybe in the long run take your places. That would be a success story.” FIDE Vice President Mahir Mammedov joined Chief Arbiter Mahdi Abdulrahim on the stage for the drawing of lots, to decide which colour would lead on board one. Two bottles of Georgian wine, red and white, defined that the players with the odd number will have Black in the first game of round one. After the speeches, the audience enjoyed a display of the very best Georgian music and dance performances. Firstly, the renowned and century-old State Ensemble of Song and Dance of Adjara – Arsiani, joined by Luka Chanisvhili, performed a traditional Georgian folk song. Next, the exceptional voice of Georgia, Archil Gogitidze, performed a “My way”, accompanied by the Georgian Women’s Chamber Orchestra, conducted by Maestro Davit Mazanashvili. During these beautiful performances, the audience saw inspiring footage from Georgia’s chess history, from the
Join FIDE’s “Chess for recovery” sessions
As part of the FIDE Year of Social Chess, FIDE Social Commission is excited to welcome you to July – The Month of Recovery, featuring a unique International Master Class Series you won’t want to miss. Why Recovery? Chess is more than a game—it’s a tool for healing, growth, and rebuilding. Throughout July, we’re sharing inspiring stories and best practices that show how chess can support recovery from addiction, cognitive challenges, and serious illness. Where? Online via Zoom link: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/85143492687?pwd=hc2xHGRXYnlEiMP6CCOghcCXyqk9u9.1 (Meeting ID: 851 4349 2687, Passcode: 930160) Duration: 45 minutes each (20-minute talk + 20-minute Q&A) Language: English (but feel free to ask questions in Spanish, Italian, or Portuguese!) Meet our hosts: Juan Antonio Montero & Rodrigo BarbeitoFrom Club de Ajedrez Magic Extremadura (Spain)For over 15 years, this pioneering team has used chess as a tool for psychological recovery and social reintegration. Their work supports individuals in addiction recovery, prisons, senior communities, and people with disabilities—bringing dignity, connection, and transformation through the 64 squares. Recovery series schedule: 6 July | 18:00 CEST – Chess & Addiction Recovery 11 July | 18:00 CEST – Cognitive Impairment & Chess 19 July | 18:00 CEST – Cancer Recovery & the Chessboard 27 July | 18:00 CEST – Down’s Syndrome & Inclusive Chess Special author session: A Wizard’s Guide to Family Recovery 25 July | 18:00 CETJoin us for a powerful conversation with Lance Wilson, author and mental health advocate. Lance will share how chess became a source of strength and meaning during his personal journey—and how it helped shape his book’s message of hope and healing. Key topics: How chess supported his recovery from trauma Key takeaways from his book, grounded in lived experience How the game can guide us through life’s toughest moments Whether you’re a coach, therapist, educator, or simply curious, these sessions offer new tools, powerful stories, and renewed hope. We look forward to welcoming you! FIDE Social Commission