2nd FIDE Chess Olympiad for People with Disabilities, Day 2: A celebration of strength, connection, and power of chess
The atmosphere at the Paralympic Training Centre in Astana remains full of energy and inspiration as the 2nd FIDE Chess Olympiad for People with Disabilities continues into its second day. For many players, simply being here is already a victory – a triumph of willpower and perseverance over life’s challenges. Each move made across the chessboards carries a deeper meaning: determination, pride, and unity. Ceremonial first move with a message At the start of Round 2, the ceremonial first move was made by the Ambassador of Venezuela to Kazakhstan, Rosalba Lo Bué Antico, together with FIDE Deputy Chair of the Management Board, WGM Dana Reizniece. Ambassador Lo Bué Antico shared a heartfelt message about the event’s importance: “Today, in this 2nd Paralympiad for People with Disabilities, we see with great promise the possibility that Venezuela can develop major projects to promote chess – not only for people with disabilities, but also through educational programs in Venezuelan schools. Kazakhstan is a worthy example for Venezuela and the world.” Her words reflected the spirit of the Olympiad – an event that transcends competition and aims to make chess a global force for inclusion and opportunity. Dana Reizniece, who also made the ceremonial first move, expressed deep admiration for the players and organizers: “For me, it is not only 34 teams representing countries – for me, it’s 34 teams of people who are champions of their lives. They have a super strong character, and they are very humble. When you speak with them, you see it.” She praised the work behind the event’s organization: “The local organizers here in Kazakhstan made it possible not only with finances – thanks to Freedom Finance, the Kazakhstan Chess Federation, Astana Municipality, and the Government – but also by being brave enough to organize such an event.” Reflecting on the Olympiad’s evolution, Dana Reizniece added: “Many things have been improved. We know that there are many things that we can do even better – for example, invite more teams and provide this opportunity to play for even more countries worldwide.” And on the inclusivity of chess, she concluded: “Chess is, if not the, then one of the most inclusive sports – where people with disabilities or special abilities can play at the same level as professional players who have dedicated their whole lives to the game.” Inside the venue: Focus, friendship, and power of chess The Paralympic Training Centre in Astana – one of the most advanced accessible sports facilities in Central Asia – has become not only the stage for intense chess battles, but also a welcoming home for connection and community. Beyond the playing hall, the resting area offers players a place to relax, analyze games, and socialize. The atmosphere is warm and uplifting – filled with conversation, laughter, and mutual respect. When asked to describe chess in one word, players offered answers that capture the essence of the game:“Life. Love. Luck. Tenacity. Enjoyment. Pressure. Emotion. Equality.” For many, chess has been more than just a sport – it’s been a lifeline. As Roberto Fernando Elías, the Argentinian Chess Champion for the Blind, shared: “I’ve had my disability since the age of six. I believe that chess helped me avoid isolation and dedicate my time to a wonderful sport like chess. I’d like to express my gratitude to FIDE for creating this event.” His words mirror the feelings of many players who see this Olympiad as not only a competition, but a celebration – a place where friendships are formed and the joy of chess shines through. Position of the day: The art of trading pieces Many players believe that trading pieces leads to equality or draws. However, as today’s position of the day shows, every trade must be carefully evaluated. In the game between Axadxon Kimsanboyev (Uzbekistan) and Valeria Simone (Argentina), a critical mome nt arose: Black offered a bishop trade with 21. … Be5? to defend her d6-paw (21…Re5, sacrificing an exchange was a better option). Although logical, this decision proved costly – after the bishops exchange 22. Bxe5 Rxe5 the rook was kicked from the e5 with 23. f4 Re7 while Black’s dark-square became extremely vulnerable. A precise knight jump to f6 – 24. Nf6+ Kg7?, followed by 25. Qc3, sealed the fate of the game and the Argentinean player resigned, facing deadly threats. This instructive moment reminded everyone that in chess – as in life – not all trades are equal. Every exchange carries consequences, and true mastery lies in knowing when to simplify and when to keep the tension. Round 2 results After two rounds, seven teams – Poland, USA, Cuba, Israel, Philippines, IBCA, and FIDE 1 – are in the lead with a perfect 4/4 score. Full results and pairings for Round 3 are available on Chess-Results. A message beyond the board As the 2nd FIDE Chess Olympiad for People with Disabilities unfolds, it continues to highlight the unifying power of chess – a game where every move counts, and every participant inspires. For the players, organizers, and everyone watching, the message is clear: The board has no boundaries – and the spirit of the game belongs to everyone. Official website: dis-olympiad2025.fide.com/
India makes its move: Goa CM Pramod Sawant unveils FIDE World Cup 2025 logo and anthem
206 players from 82 countries to compete as music legend Daler Mehndi lends his voice to an anthem celebrating Goa’s cultural flair Panaji, October 21: A glittering ceremony celebrating Goa’s rich cultural heritage and India’s growing stature as a global chess powerhouse marked the launch of the official logo and anthem of the FIDE World Cup 2025, unveiled by Hon’ble Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant in Goa on Tuesday. Returning to India after 23 years, the prestigious tournament will feature 206 players from 82 countries, with the anthem—voiced by music legend Daler Mehndi—capturing the spirit and vibrancy of Goa. The FIDE World Cup 2025, one of the most prestigious tournaments on the global chess calendar, will be held in North Goa from October 31 to November 27, 2025, bringing together elite players from across the world in a knockout contest for a prize purse of USD 2 million (approx. INR 17.58 crore). While the logo reflects Goa’s vibrant, culturally rich identity—capturing the essence of the state’s coastal charm and the strategic elegance of chess—the anthem, sung by legendary artist Daler Mehndi, adds a touch of grandeur and mystique to the event. Speaking at the launch ceremony, Honb’le Goa Chief Minister Dr Pramod Sawant said, “It is a moment of immense pride for Goa to host the FIDE World Cup 2025, one of the most prestigious events in global chess. This milestone not only reaffirms our state’s commitment to becoming a premier destination for international sport but also celebrates India’s rising prominence on the world chess stage. The official logo and anthem reflect the very soul of Goa — vibrant, creative, and deeply rooted in culture — while capturing the strategic elegance of chess. We are ready to welcome the world’s finest players to our shores for 28 days of top-class competition, camaraderie, and an experience that blends the spirit of Goa with the brilliance of the game.” The logo and anthem launch was also attended by Dr. Ramesh Tawadkar, Minister for Art and Culture, Tribal Welfare, and Sports and Youth Affairs, Nitin Narang, President of the All India Chess Federation (AICF) and Dev Patel, Secretary AICF. Dr. Ramesh Tawadkar, Minister for Art and Culture, Tribal Welfare, and Sports and Youth Affairs, said, “The FIDE World Cup 2025 is a remarkable opportunity to bring together culture, art, tourism, and sports on one grand stage. Goa has always been known for its vibrant heritage and hospitality, and this event will showcase how seamlessly our cultural identity blends with the global spirit of competition. The World Cup will stand as a testament to Goa’s ability to celebrate excellence — on and off the chessboard — while promoting our state as a world-class destination for sport and tourism.” Complementing the visual identity of the event is its official anthem — a dynamic celebration of India’s strategic prowess and youthful energy. Featuring the Hon’ble Prime Minister in its music video, the anthem brings together the spirit of the nation with the brilliance of chess. Iconic singer Daler Mehndi, known for his powerful and distinctive voice, infuses the anthem with his signature vibrancy, rhythm, and energy. Centered around the empowering theme “It’s Your Move,” the song captures the essence of India’s growing might in world chess while highlighting the vibrancy of its culture. The video also showcases India’s leading chess grandmasters and stars like World Champion D. Gukesh, Arjun Erigaisi, Koneru Humpy, Tania Sachdev, and Vidit Gujarati, symbolizing the new generation that is taking Indian chess to unprecedented heights. AICF President Nitin Narang thanked the Goa government for their support for the event and said, “Securing the hosting rights for the FIDE World Cup 2025 is a landmark moment for India and a testament to our growing credibility in the global chess community. Bringing a tournament of this magnitude to our shores — after 23 years — is not just a sporting success, but a proud national achievement. It will give Indian fans a rare opportunity to witness the world’s best players compete on home soil, inspiring a new generation to take up the sport. The anthem, with its energy and emotion, will revitalize chess across the country and take the game from clubs and academies into every home in India.” About the World Cup 2025 logo The logo feature three distinctive trapezoidal panels, the design captures different facets of Goa and the tournament itself. The Green Panel shows a white palm tree with a blue wave at the bottom. The Red Panel boasts of a diamond-shaped checkerboard pattern in white while the Yellow panel has a stylised sun with curved rays, representing Goa’s sunny weather and warm, welcoming vibe.