Praggnanandhaa R wins Tata Steel Masters 2025
Praggnanandhaa R has emerged as the champion of the Tata Steel Masters 2025, securing his maiden “Wimbledon of Chess” title. In a dramatic turn of events, the World Champion Gukesh D, who had led for most of the tournament and entered the final round as a joint leader with 8.5/12, suffered a crucial loss as White against his compatriot Arjun Erigaisi Meanwhile, Praggnanandhaa, the other co-leader, had a chance to claim the title outright but needed to hold an inferior position against Vincent Keymer. However, he was unable to do so, and as a result, both Gukesh D and Praggnanandhaa finished with 8.5/13, tying for first place. To determine the champion, a blitz tiebreaker was held. After the opponents traded blows in the first two games, Praggnanandhaa turned tables in the third sudden-death encounter to win down-a-pawn endgame and clinch the title. This victory marks a major milestone in Praggnanandhaa’s career, further solidifying his place among the chess elite. Nodirbek Abdusattorov netted 8/13 and came third. Final standings Masters The Challengers event saw the triumph of Thai Dai Van Nguyen, who scored an impressive 9.5/12. This stellar performance secured him a spot in next year’s Masters. Final standings Challengers Photos: Tata Steel Chess, Jurriaan Hoefsmit Official website: tatasteelchess.com/en
Queens’ Online Chess Festival returns for its 5th edition
We are thrilled to announce that the Queens’ Online Chess Festival 2025 returns in March for its 5th edition! The Queens’ Online Chess Festival is a series of continental women’s online blitz tournaments, open to all female chess players worldwide. Our goal is to create a special opportunity for all female players, no matter the location, age or level – to come together and participate in this unique event for women’s chess. The registration is free of charge and the event will take place online on the platform Tornelo, from March 1-28, 2025. Sections of the Festival The Festival consists of two competitions: Queens’ Women Open Tournament (open to all female participants with FIDE ID). Continental qualifying events running from the 1st till 9th of Match and Semi-Final and Final scheduled on March 16th and 28th, respectively; Unrated Princesses’ tournaments (female players with no FIDE rating) Qualifiers for “East” and “West” with Finals in groups U9, U11, U13, U15 & U17 (for U17 – born on 1.1.2008 or later). The qualification stage is scheduled for March 15th, and Finals will be held on March 28th. Awards The winner of The Queen Festival Chess Tournament will be invited to the 46th World Chess Olympiad 2026 in Uzbekistan. The hotel accommodation for 3 nights full board (if the winner is U18, then accompanying person can also stay in the hotel with full board). The official Cup award ceremony for the Queens’ Festival 2025 will take place during the Olympiad 2026. The Queen Festival Chess Tournament offers a prize fund of 1000 euros. The first-place winner will receive 500 euros, the second-place winner will receive 300 euros, and the third-place winner will receive 200 euros. The winner of each Qualification in the Queens’ Festival tournaments: Americas, Asia, Africa and Europe, will receive a physical trophy and the title of the Queens’ Festival Continental Queen. The winner of the Princess Festival will receive a physical trophy. Additionally – each participant will receive an electronic certificate of participation. The first ten winners in all qualification tournaments will be entitled to two 45-minute training sessions with Women Grandmasters. Details to be announced. Queens’ Women Open Tournament Registration form: https://forms.gle/fwespf37anAfSFvj9 Registration deadlines: The qualification tournaments and semi-finals will be 9 or 11-round Swiss tournaments with 3+2 time control, depending on the number of participants, while the final will be a round-robin with 5+5 time control (7 rounds). Unrated Princesses’ Tournament Registration form: https://forms.gle/zNX9Jo7EbFemkzwm6 Registration deadline: March 8th 2025 Unrated players U17 (born on 01.01.2008 or later) can play in both the Queens’ Women’s Open tournament and the Unrated Princesses’ tournament. We are looking forward to your registrations! Regulations-Queens-Festival-2025 (PDF) FIDE Commission for Women’s Chess official website: wom.fide.com/
FIDE February 2025 rating list published
The world’s top 10 rankings remain unchanged in January, as the chess battles of the new year have only just begun. The first major event of 2025, Tata Steel, is nearing its conclusion in Wijk aan Zee, but the results from the Masters and Challengers sections will only be reflected in the March rating list. Biggest gains in top 100 Open and Women Van Foreest, Machteld FM NED 2367(+54) Rakshitta Ravi WGM IND 2365(+44) Efroimski, Marsel IM ISR 2398 (+9) Daulyte-Cornette, Deimante IM FRA 2384 (+9) Sindarov, Javokhir GM UZB 2700 (+8) Van Foreest, Jorden GM NED 2688 (+8) Fedoseev, Vladimir GM SLO 2724 (+7) Dardha, Daniel GM BEL 2652 (+7) Machteld Van Foreest (pictured below) became the indisputable winner in this category, adding 54 rating points to her tally. The younger sister of Jorden and Lucas Van Foreest made a triumphant return to the top 100 Women after a one-year hiatus, thanks to her strong performances at the Groningen Open and the 2024-25 4NCL Division 3 Bishops. Photo: Michal Walusza Another standout performer was Rakshitta Ravi, whose impressive showing at the 2025 Rilton Cup earned her 44 rating points. The 19-year-old Indian talent has been on a steep upward trajectory, accumulating 80 points over the last two months. The only classical chess event influencing the top 100 Open was Bundesliga 2024-2025 where Vladimir Fedoseev, Javokhir Sindarov, Jorden Van Foreest and Daniel Dardha gained rating points from their performances. Photo: Israel Chess Federation Meanwhile, Marsel Efroimski (pictured above) dominated the Israeli Women’s Championship, scoring an impressive 8.5/9 and earning 9 rating points. Unlike the classical rating lists, the rapid and blitz rankings saw significant shifts, largely due to the recently concluded 2024 European Women’s Rapid and Blitz Championship. Several players who excelled in the rapid event in Monte Carlo made notable rating gains: Eline Roebers (+33), Yuliia Osmak (+26), Lela Javakhishvili, (+23), Mai Narva (+22) and the champion, Anna Ushenina (+18), to name a few. Photo: Lennart Ootes A similar pattern emerged in the blitz event, where standout performances led to impressive rating increases: Michalina Rudzinska (+95! pictured above), Stavroula Tsolakidou (+57), Eline Roebers (+38), the new champion Alexandra Maltsevskaya (+24) and Nino Batsiashvili (+22) and Anna Ushenina (+21).
Yair Parkhov and Marsel Efroimski win 42nd Israeli Championship
GM Yair Parkhov and IM Marsel Efroimski have emerged as the new champions of Israel. The 42nd Israeli Chess Championship was held at the Yam Suf Hotel in Eilat from January 20–28. Organized by the Israel Chess Federation with support from the Lottery and the Eilat Municipality, the event was initially scheduled for late 2024 but was postponed to January 2025 due to organizational reasons. Open Championship In the open category, 32 players—including 11 GMs, 6 IM, and 8 FM—competed in a 9-round Swiss tournament for a total prize fund of 85,000 NIS. The competition was fiercely contested, with at least two players sharing the lead for most of the event. Heading into the final round, GMs Yahli Sokolovsky and Yair Parkhov (pictured below, left) were tied at the top with 6/8, half a point ahead of Yeshaayahu Tzidkiya and Ido Gorenstein. In the final round, Sokolovsky and Gorenstein agreed to a quick draw, while Parkhov secured a critical victory over Yeshaayahu Tzidkiya, finishing with 7/9 to claim the title. Sokolovsky ended half a point behind, earning the silver medal, while Yannay Ben Ari clinched bronze with a final-round win and a superior Buchholz score over Gorenstein. Final standings Open 1 GM Parkhov, Yair 2508 7 2 GM Sokolovsky, Yahli 2535 6½ 3 IM Ben Ari, Yannay 2453 6 4 GM Gorshtein, Ido 2565 6 5 IM Tzidkiya, Yeshaayahu 2479 5½ 6 IM Veinberg, Nimrod 2400 5½ 7 IM Rozen, Eytan 2504 5½ 8 IM Bronstein, Or 2451 5½ 9 GM Boruchovsky, Avital 2532 5 10 GM Alekseev, Evgeny 2518 5 Women’s Championship The women’s championship, a 10-player round-robin with a prize fund of 25,000 NIS, was dominated by IM Marsel Efroimski. As the top seed, Efroimski steamrolled the competition, winning eight games and conceding just a single draw to finish three points ahead of a group of four players. IM Masha Klinova, FM Dana Kochavi, WIM Noga Orian, and WFM Ronit Levitan all tied for second place with 5.5/9. Klinova and Kochavi secured silver and bronze respectively based on tiebreaks. Final standings Women 1 IM Efroimski, Marsel 2389 8½ 2 IM Klinova, Masha 2235 5½ 3 FM Kochavi, Dana 2345 5½ 4 WIM Orian, Noga 2155 5½ 5 WFM Levitan, Ronit 2085 5½ 6 WFM Tashkinova, Sofiia 2150 5 7 WCM Gadasi, Noam 1962 3½ 8 Ingel, Mica Bar 1995 3 9 Vardi, Shlomit 1842 1½ 10 Kluchik, Julia 1922 1½ Photos: Israel Chess Federation Official website: https://www.chess.org.il/
FIDE WGP Monaco 2025 preview
The 2025 FIDE calendar kicks off with the third leg of the Women’s Grand Prix, hosted in the beautiful setting of Monaco. Renowned as a global hub for women’s chess, Monaco recently staged the European Women’s Rapid and Blitz Championship, further solidifying its status as a top chess destination. This luxurious venue sets the stage for an elite competition, as ten of the world’s strongest female chess players battle for crucial Grand Prix points. Venue The tournament will take place at the Novotel Hotel Monte Carlo. Ideally located in the heart of Monaco, near iconic landmarks, this Green Key-certified venue is the perfect setting for this prestigious chess event. Photo: https://all.accor.com/ About the Event The Women’s Grand Prix Series 2024–25 features 20 players, with each player participating in three of the six tournaments. Each event is a 10-player round-robin, where participants earn points based on their final standings. The series winner is determined by the total cumulative points earned across all three tournaments played. Prize Fund: €80,000 per event, with an additional €120,000 distributed among the top 10 finishers in the overall standings. Qualification: The top two players from the series will qualify for the 2026 FIDE Women’s Candidates Tournament. Participants Aleksandra Goryachkina Goryachkina enters Monaco riding high after her dominant performance in Shymkent, Kazakhstan, where she won the second leg of the Grand Prix with an undefeated run, earning 130 Grand Prix points. Kateryna LagnoLagno, a consistent force in the Women’s Grand Prix series, will compete in her second leg of the 2024-25 cycle after Shymkent. As the winner of the first leg of the 2022–23 series, she remains a formidable contender. Bibisara AssaubayevaBibisara has excelled in her Grand Prix debut, finishing second in Tbilisi and third in Shymkent. Leading the standings with 182.5 points, she has her final opportunity to secure additional points, as players participate in only three of the six legs. With her strong form, she is undoubtedly one to watch. Sarasadat KhademalshariehSara, another debutant in the 2024–25 series, replaces Ju Wenjun, who opted not to participate. While her first leg in Tbilisi didn’t go as planned, she recently claimed silver at the European Women’s Rapid Championship in Monaco, a result that could boost her confidence on familiar ground. Harika Dronavalli Making her first appearance in this series, Harika enters fresh off her triumph as a member of the gold-medal-winning Women’s Olympiad team. A consistent performer in past Grand Prix cycles, she is expected to put in another strong performance in Monaco. Humpy KoneruHumpy delivered a mixed performance in Shymkent, finishing fifth despite a strong start. However, she capped off 2024 by winning the FIDE Women’s World Rapid Championship, a significant boost to her confidence ahead of Monaco. Elisabeth PaehtzA veteran of the Women’s Grand Prix, Paehtz is participating in her third consecutive series. She previously competed in the Shymkent leg and continues to be a steady presence among the women’s elite. Tan ZhongyiFormer World Champion Tan Zhongyi had a stellar 2024, beginning with her victory in the FIDE Women’s Candidates Tournament. In Shymkent, she narrowly missed out on first place, finishing just behind Goryachkina. Batkhuyag MunguntuulMunguntuul earned her spot in this series with a standout performance at the 2023 FIDE Grand Swiss. Monaco marks her second leg after a challenging outing in Shymkent. Alexandra KosteniukThe former World Champion is playing her second leg in this cycle after competing in Tbilisi. Recently, she won bronze at the European Women’s Blitz Championship in Monaco, showing she is still a force to be reckoned with. 2024–25 Women’s Grand Prix Schedule: Tbilisi, Georgia: August 14-25, 2024 Shymkent, Kazakhstan: October 29 – November 9, 2024 Monaco: February 17-28, 2025 Cyprus: March 14-25, 2025 India: April 13-24, 2025 Austria: May 6-17, 2025 The third leg of the Women’s Grand Prix in Monaco is set to deliver world-class chess as the strongest female players compete. With crucial Grand Prix points and qualification spots for the 2026 FIDE Women’s Candidates Tournament at stake, the tournament is set to showcase the very best of competitive chess in a stunning venue. For all the information, visit the official website. You can also follow the games live and watch the action with our wonderful commentators GM Alojzije Jankovic & IM Almira Skripchenko on YouTube.
Social Chess Research Conference announced
FIDE is thrilled to invite you to the Social Chess Research Conference, an online event bringing together researchers, educators, practitioners, and chess enthusiasts to explore how chess contributes to improving quality of life, fostering social development, inclusion, empowerment, and rehabilitation. Date: Saturday, February 22, 2025Time: 15:00 CETLocation: Online This unique conference serves as a platform to highlight innovative applications of chess, from research breakthroughs to real-world stories of empowerment and hope. Conference Themes Discover the transformative role of chess in various social contexts: Chess for Freedom: Exploring the impact of chess on prisoners, fostering rehabilitation, critical thinking, and a sense of purpose. Chess for Protection: Supporting refugees and vulnerable groups, providing stability, focus, and hope during difficult circumstances. Chess for Recovery: Investigating the role of chess in aiding recovery from addiction and chronic illnesses, including cancer. Infinite Chess: Empowering children with autism spectrum disorder, enhancing cognitive and social skills. Chess for Longevity: Promoting mental and emotional well-being in the elderly, combating memory loss, and fostering active aging. Chess for Change and Hope: Bringing positive change to underserved communities, including children in slums, orphans, and marginalized groups. Why Attend? This conference offers an inspiring blend of keynote presentations, interactive discussions, and thought-provoking panels, connecting a diverse community of individuals dedicated to leveraging chess as a tool for social transformation. Registration https://forms.gle/6quumvjkrAxadBWG8
FIDE AC extends ban and revokes title of IM Andrejs Strebkovs over harassment of female players
The FIDE Ethics and Disciplinary Commission Appeal Chamber has issued its decision regarding the case of IM Andrejs Strebkovs. The case involved accusations of sending offensive and inappropriate materials, including pornographic images and used condoms, to female chess players, some of whom were minors. These actions disrupted events such as the 2021 Women’s Grand Swiss Tournament and caused significant harm to the affected players and the broader chess community. In its initial ruling, the EDC First Instance Chamber found IM Andrejs Strebkovs guilty of several breaches of FIDE’s ethics and disciplinary code, imposing a five-year ban from all FIDE-rated events. Strebkovs appealed this decision, denying his involvement and challenging the evidence and FIDE’s authority to handle the case. FIDE, in turn, filed a cross-appeal, seeking a harsher sanction, including a longer ban and the revocation of Strebkovs’ International Master title, emphasizing the harm done to women and minors in chess. After a thorough review, the Appeal Chamber upheld the evidence presented, which included DNA analysis and findings from a police investigation, and confirmed FIDE’s jurisdiction over the matter. The Chamber also found Strebkovs guilty of additional violations related to threatening and obscene behavior under FIDE’s rules. It was noted that the respondent did not express any remorse or empathy towards the victims. The Chamber also highlighted the gravity of the acts committed, which involved systematic and organized attacks against a vulnerable group – women and minors. A further aggravating factor noted was the prolonged period during which the respondent acted with impunity, coupled with his persistence in advocating for views on sexual harassment and abuse that are incompatible with the standards of the FIDE family. These actions, the Chamber concluded, evidenced a “clear repudiation of his membership” and had a severe and harmful impact on the sport, both at the individual and institutional levels. As a result, the Appeal Chamber extended Strebkovs’ ban to 12 years and revoked his International Master title, citing the severity and deliberate nature of his actions: “In the case at hand, the respondent seriously failed in his position as a role model, being the holder of an IM title. Moreover, he uses this title to coach and thus remain in contact with a community of young players among whom he can choose his victims or inquire about potential victims, and as long as the respondent is in contact with his sphere of influence, he will always be a threat to the entire chess community and especially the vulnerable groups he targets.” Commenting on the decision, FIDE President Arkady Dvorkovich, who also served as the cross-appellant in this case, said: “This decision sends a strong message that there is no place in chess for such unacceptable behavior. FIDE is committed to safeguarding the rights and dignity of all players, particularly women and minors, who must feel safe and respected in our community.” The EDC Appeal Chamber’s ruling reflects the gravity of the misconduct and its impact on the chess community. By addressing such serious violations decisively, FIDE aims to protect the sport’s integrity and ensure that all players can participate in an environment free from harm or intimidation. The full text of the decision can be found here.
Former FIDE President Fridrik Olafsson turns 90
The fourth FIDE President, Fridrik Olafsson, was born on this day in 1935 in Reykjavík. Serving a single term from 1978 to 1982, succeeding Max Euwe and preceding Florencio Campomanes, Olafsson left an indelible mark on the history of the organization. His tenure as FIDE President was the culmination of a remarkable career and a life devoted to chess. Olafsson was the pioneer who placed Iceland on the world chess map, long before the iconic Fischer-Spassky match was even conceived. Here’s a fun fact you might have heard: Iceland boasts the highest number of Grandmasters per capita in the world, with 13 GMs on an island of approximately 325,000 people. Olafsson was the first, earning the title in 1958. And he was not an ordinary Grandmaster, but a world-class one, who can boast victories over Bobby Fischer, Tigran Petrosian, and Mikhail Tal. Notalbly he defeated each of these legendary World Champions, twice! In 1980, Olafsson added another illustrious scalp to his collection under unique circumstances. At the age of 45, with his best playing years behind him and in the middle of his term as FIDE President, he participated in the prestigious Clarin Tournament in Buenos Aires, organized by Argentina’s largest newspaper. The tournament featured a star-studded field, including World Champion Anatoly Karpov, as well as Larsen, Timman, Ljubojevic, and Najdorf. Despite his administrative duties, Olafsson delivered a respectable performance, scoring 6 points out of 13 games. The highlight, however, was his victory over Karpov. This game remains unique in chess history: the reigning FIDE President defeated the reigning World Champion in an official game—a feat unlikely to be repeated. With this win, Olafsson also joined the exclusive “Mikhail Chigorin Club,” reserved for players who have defeated a reigning World Champion without ever holding the title themselves. Fridrik’s successful career took off in 1952 when he became Icelandic Champion at the age of 17. This would be the first of the total six victories that he would achieve on this competition, and a golden ticket to travel abroad and compete in international competitions, where he quickly proved his worth. In 1953, he became Scandinavian Champion, and won a bronze medal in the World Junior Championship. His first major international success came at the Hastings International Tournament during New Year’s 1955-56. Arriving late and without a hotel reservation, he spent his first night in a Hastings police station cell, courtesy of a kind officer. Undeterred, Olafsson went on to share first place with Viktor Korchnoi. Olafsson took part in the 1958-1960 World Championship cycle, finishing 5th/6th at the 1958 Interzonal tournament in Portoroz. This result gave him the Grandmaster title, as well as a spot in the 1959 Candidates Tournament played in Yugoslavia. These were the two events in which he scored his two victories over Bobby Fischer. But probably his most memorable victory in the Candidates was the one against Tigran Petrosian. His game had been adjourned, and when it was resumed, they played on a balcony overlooking Zagreb’s Republic Square. According to the historian Golombek, “A giant demonstration board had been erected, and a crowd of 5,000 assembled to watch. Olafsson won, to great acclamations. When he tried to go back to the hotel, the crowd insisted on carrying him on their shoulders.” Despite his chess achievements, Olafsson balanced his career with a legal profession, working as a lawyer for the Icelandic Ministry of Justice until 1974. After losing the 1982 FIDE elections, he was appointed Secretary-General of the Icelandic Parliament, the highest-ranking administrative role in the institution. Through his achievements both on and off the board, Fridrik Olafsson earned a very special place in the history of chess. We congratulate Fridrik Olafsson on his 90th birthday and wish him good health and happiness! Photos: https://reykjavik.is/, http://skaksogufelagid.is, http://gahetna.nl and FIDE archive
Milestones of the FIDE Chess for Protection Programme in Kakuma
Kakuma, Kenya — Over the past 18 months, the Chess for Protection Programme has achieved significant milestones, transforming the lives of refugees in Kakuma and Kalobeyei through the power of chess. Through the efforts of the FIDE Chess for Protection lead, Sonja Johnson, with support from key collaborators Chess Kenya President Benard Wanjala, Social Commission Chair André Vogtlin, FIDE WOM Chair Anastasia Sorokina and FIDE Deputy Chair of Management Board, Dana Riezniece, the programme is well on its way to establishing a sustainable operational infrastructure, expanding its impact, while enhancing visibility for chess as a tool for development and empowerment. Key Achievements 1. Strengthened Collaboration with UNHCRSonja Johnson worked closely with UNHCR towards the eventual signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with UNHCR within three months, marking a new phase of engagement after two years of operations. Although funding challenges persist, this agreement has facilitated greater collaboration and support from UNHCR. 2. Transparent Recruitment ProcessThe Lutheran World Federation assisted in ensuring transparency during the recruitment of facilitators, further professionalizing the programme’s operations. 3. Enhanced Community RepresentationThe local project team was reconfigured to better serve Kakuma and Kalobeyei, with roles and contracts formalized. Notably, two female facilitators joined the local project team for the first time, including one from the Girls’ Club programme. 4. Sustainable Infrastructure DevelopmentA solar power system was installed in the project office, reducing recurring electricity costs and promoting sustainability. 5. Expanded Chess Programming Chess activities commenced in community and activity centers, including a new partnership with KLABU, which operates a well-resourced center in Kalobeyei. All 37 schools in the area now have active chess clubs supported by trained facilitators. Over 2,100 students were part of chess clubs during 2024 and 250 participants at the activity centers. Youth Chess Championships were successfully organized for age categories ranging from Under-8 to Under-18. 6. Global Recognition and Competitive Success Refugees participated in the World Guinness record attempt involving over 100 players, with UNHCR producing a video documenting their participation. At the 2024 Gift of Chess Jumuiya Ya Afrika Mashariki Open Chess Tournament in Nairobi, the Kakuma team achieved outstanding results. Five players earned FIDE ratings, and two players ranked among the top three in the elite section. One team member became the seventh-ranked player in Kenya by the end of the tournament. The 12 top youth players from the camp participated in the Kenya National Youth Chess Championships in April 2024. One of the refugee players emerged as the U-18 champion of Kenya 7. Capacity Building and Training A successful training programme was conducted, led by FM Sergejs Klimakovs, preparing participants for the 2024 work programme. Arbiter training resulted in the licensing of seven individuals as national arbiters, enabling them to host FIDE-rated events. 8. Strategic Partnerships and Recognition FIDE was invited to join the Sport for Refugee Coalition following a visit by programme leaders to Kakuma in September 2023. Strong relationships were established with senior officials at Kenya Immigration and the Department of Refugee Services. 9. New Equipment and Resources The Kakuma Chess Club received critical equipment, including 490 chess sets courtesy the Gift of Chess, 23 demo boards, 100 chess clocks, and 2 e-boards, funded by the International Olympic Committee (IOC). The office was equipped with a printer and related stationery items, and a digital camera to capture programme activity. Looking Ahead Sonja Johnson, Chess for Protection Lead shared her vision of the way forward, “The Chess for Protection Programme continues to serve as a beacon of hope and resilience, empowering refugees through education, critical thinking, and community building. As the initiative grows with proposed expansions throughout Africa, the Americas, and Europe and a focus on expanding the list of partners, FIDE remains committed to its work fostering inclusivity, sustainability, and global collaboration in support of displaced and vulnerable populations.“
FIDE statement on participation of neutral athletes from vulnerable groups in team events
Following the FIDE 2024 General Assembly’s resolution GA 2024/20 regarding the participation of Russian and Belarusian athletes in FIDE events, we wish to provide an update on our position and the decisions made by the FIDE Council. As instructed by the General Assembly, FIDE consulted the International Olympic Committee (IOC) for guidelines about the possibility of partially reconsidering existing restrictions to allow vulnerable groups to compete in all FIDE events. The IOC responded, stating: “It is up to each International Federation to consider the appropriate implementation of the IOC Executive Board recommendations on the participation of AIN athletes in the events they govern.” Commenting specifically on the draft decision regarding neutral teams in youth and disabled events, the IOC confirmed its respect for FIDE’s actions and noted that the proposal was “not contrary to these recommendations [by the IOC].” With the above in mind and in line with FIDE’s commitment to inclusivity, fair play, and international sporting principles, the FIDE Council has decided: 1. To allow the participation of teams, consisting of neutral athletes, in the youth (under 18) competitions and events for players with disabilities. 2. To authorize the FIDE Deputy President to approve specific conditions for admission and the formation of the above-mentioned teams in each specific case. 3. To confirm that all already existing limitations regarding national symbols of the neutral athletes in the individual events will apply to the teams consisting of the neutral athletes. The conditions for participation have been carefully designed to align fully with IOC recommendations and uphold fairness and integrity. This decision applies exclusively to team events, in the specified categories. Reflecting on the decision, FIDE Deputy President Viswanathan Anand said: “This decision echoes FIDE’s commitment to balancing inclusivity with responsibility. We discussed this carefully, checked with the IOC, received their clear guidance and support, and ensured our approach respects both humanitarian considerations and the principles of international sport.” FIDE reaffirms its commitment to transparency and open dialogue. We are dedicated to supporting players, regardless of nationality, while ensuring chess continues to thrive as a global sport that unites rather than divides.