On June 16, the FIDE Shenzhen Office was officially inaugurated in Qianhai, Shenzhen. As the federation’s first office in Asia since its founding in 1924, the new hub marks a major milestone for FIDE’s global expansion and makes it the first international sports organization to establish a formal presence in Shenzhen. The move represents a significant step forward in the city’s efforts to strengthen international sports cooperation and attract global resources.
FIDE is an International Olympic Committee-recognized federation responsible for the governance and global promotion of chess. With more than 200 member federations, it ranks among the world’s most influential international sports organizations. The establishment of the Shenzhen Office reflects FIDE’s strategic push to deepen its presence in Asia while further elevating Shenzhen’s profile in the global mind sports community.
The Shenzhen Office will serve as FIDE’s primary base for liaison, coordination, and partnership-building across China and the broader Asia-Pacific region. Its key goals include bringing top-tier international events to the area, promoting cultural exchange through chess, and fostering industry collaboration. The office is also expected to reinforce Shenzhen’s role as a vital bridge between China and the rest of the world.
The inauguration ceremony featured FIDE President Arkady Dvorkovich, FIDE Executive Director Viktor Bologan, FIDE Treasurer and Chief Representative of the FIDE Shenzhen Office Zhu Chen, Deputy Chair of FIDE Management Board Vice Dana Reizniece, along with Director of the Chess and Card Sports Management Center of the General Administration of Sport of China He Fengxiang, President of the Chinese Chess Association Xie Jun, Director of the Chess Department of the Chess and Card Sports Management Center Xu Yuhua, Deputy Director of the Guangdong Provincial Sports Bureau Zhu Hongwei, as well as other FIDE officials and distinguished guests from Shenzhen municipal and district governments. Together, they witnessed this historic moment.
Speaking at the ceremony, FIDE President Arkady Dvorkovich thanked all parties involved in making the office a reality. “I’ve visited Shenzhen many times, and today we’re seeing the rewarding outcome of those collective efforts,” he said. “People often ask me: why Shenzhen? The answer is simple – this city has a strong chess culture and a powerful spirit of innovation. That made the choice very easy for us.”
“Much like in chess, we hope to see many exciting positions and bold new moves here in Shenzhen,” Dvorkovich added. “The 4th FIDE World Rapid & Blitz Team Championship, which begins tomorrow in Hong Kong, is a clear sign of the vibrant chess development across the Greater Bay Area. Chess is a bridge and a bond. We hope even more people will join us. Shenzhen is becoming a new center for chess, and the eyes of the world will be watching this city.”
The concentration of international organizations has become a key measure of a city’s global connectivity, ability to mobilize resources, and international influence. International sports bodies, in particular, serve as important platforms for hosting major events, driving industry growth, and promoting cross-cultural understanding.
In recent years, Shenzhen has been actively developing itself as a world-renowned international sports city and a national pilot for sports consumption. The city has made steady progress in hosting major events, expanding its sports industry, and deepening international cooperation. As a frontier of China’s reform and opening-up, Shenzhen offers an open, inclusive environment, a robust industrial ecosystem, and strong global orientation – qualities that make it highly attractive to international sports organizations.
The opening of the FIDE Shenzhen Office is both a recognition of the city’s dynamic environment, innovative spirit, and global outlook and a powerful new platform for Shenzhen to integrate more deeply into global sports governance and international exchanges.
Chess, as a mind sport that blends competition, education, and broad appeal, enjoys a strong following in Shenzhen. The city has been vigorously promoting the game in schools and communities, hosting high-level tournaments, and developing talented players. FIDE and Shenzhen have enjoyed close ties for years, with many FIDE-branded events and programs already held here.
With the new office now operational, FIDE will work even more closely with the Chinese Chess Association, Guangdong Province, and Shenzhen authorities to advance high-quality chess development, strengthen cultural exchanges, and inject fresh momentum into Shenzhen’s ambition to become a world-class, innovation-driven international city.
Text and photos: Liang Ziming