Akaki Iashvili, FIDE Special Tasks Director, recently undertook an official working visit to Yerevan, Armenia.
His first stop was the Armenian State Pedagogical University – the institution responsible for training Armenia’s chess teachers. He was warmly welcomed by Acting Rector Lilit Mkrtchyan, who provided an overview of the university’s mission and academic activities.
Rector Mkrtchyan highlighted the university’s Chess degree programme, which prepares teachers to integrate chess into the classroom. She emphasized why Armenia regards chess as a serious academic discipline – not merely a game – and outlined the institution’s international collaborations. She explained why Armenia treats chess as a serious academic subject rather than merely a game and also spoke about the university’s international activities. Also present at the meeting were Vice-Rector Mariam Ispiryan and International Grandmaster Smbat Lputian – Founder-President of the Chess Academy of Armenia, Director of the “Chess” Scientific Research Institute, pioneer of the “Chess in Schools” programme, and First Vice-President of the Armenian Chess Federation.
Akaki Iashvili also visited the “Chess” Scientific Research Institute, based at the university. This institute is truly unique: nowhere else in the world does an institution dedicated entirely to researching chess as a school subject for children exist. Its work focuses on pedagogical methodologies, the cognitive and personal developmental benefits of chess education, and the continuous refinement of teaching practices.
Akaki Iashvili also visited Yerevan’s School No. 38, where he observed the programme in action. During his visit, he attended lessons, interacted with students and teachers, and witnessed firsthand how chess is seamlessly woven into the daily curriculum.
The parties also reviewed a number of strategic matters, including FIDE’s new event regulations, and several additional areas of cooperation.
As part of the itinerary, an inspection visit was conducted at the Tsaghkadzor resort, situated 2,100 meters above sea level near Lake Sevan. The venue is under consideration as a potential host venue for future FIDE events.