FIDE World Rapid and Blitz Team Championships: Registration deadline extended
The FIDE World Rapid and Blitz Team Championships, set to take place in Astana, Kazakhstan, are rapidly approaching, and excitement is already in the air. With the registration deadline (July 12) drawing near, teams from around the world are urged to act quickly to secure their spot in this prestigious event. It promises to be an exhilarating experience for both players and spectators alike. Big names and teams ready to compete The tournament will feature some of the biggest names and strongest teams in the chess world. Teams such as China Team for 10 years with stars like World Champions Wenjun Ju and Ding Liren, and WR Chess Team boasting Magnus Carlsen, Ian Nepomniachtchi, and Hou Yifan have already confirmed their participation. Other notable teams include ALAIN ACMG UAE with Daniil Dubov and Vladimir Fedoseev, and ASHDOD CHESS CLUB with Nihal Sarin and Pavel Eljanov. Hisham Al Taher, team director of one of the rating-favorite teams, ALAIN ACMG UAE, expressed his enthusiasm for the event: “The World Rapid and Blitz Team Championships in Astana is shaping up to be an extraordinary event. The combination of rapid and blitz formats in a team setting offers a unique and thrilling experience. I’m excited to lead my team and compete against some of the best players in the world. The camaraderie and competitive spirit will make this a memorable championship.” Another star player, Arjun Erigaisi from Team MGD1, shared his excitement: “Team events are generally a lot of fun, and the same goes for World Rapid and Blitz. The event in Astana is basically combining those two, so it will be an ultimate delight! I look forward to it.” GM Anna Muzychuk of Chessy echoed this sentiment: “I look forward to the World Rapid and Blitz Championships in Astana. It’s a competition of top players, but also an opportunity for non-professionals to meet and even play the biggest legends of our game. I believe such an amazing format will bring fun and keep the tension until the very last moment.” Format The 5 days of chess will feature two formats: Rapid Tournament: A 12-round Swiss system with a time control of 15 minutes per game plus a 10-second increment per move. Blitz Tournament: The Blitz tournament is divided into two stages. In Stage 1, teams are grouped into pools and play a round-robin format. The top 16 teams advance to Stage 2, which is a knockout stage. The time control is 3 minutes per game with a 2-second increment per move. The total prize fund for the event is a staggering €350,000 euros, with €250,000 allocated for the Rapid Tournament and €100,000 for the Blitz Tournament. In addition to financial rewards, members of the top three teams in each category will receive medals. Exciting side events In addition to the main tournament, KazChess has organized several side events to enhance the overall experience for participants and spectators. The highlight will be the FIDE torch relay, featuring many distinguished guests, including Kazakhstani sports stars, celebrities, and national authorities. This event aims to celebrate the spirit of chess and bring the community together in a festive atmosphere. We invite teams from around the world to join us in Astana for an unforgettable event. Register now and compete with the best in the world! For more details and to register, visit the official website.
FIDE July 2024 rating list: Arjun Erigaisi enters top 5 Open
The Norway Chess 2024 and the fourth edition of the Cairns Cup, along with several strong tournaments across Europe and Asia, have had the most significant impact on the FIDE July 2024 rating list. After an 11-month absence, Hikaru Nakamura has made a triumphant return to the second spot in the Top 100 Open, thanks to his second-place finish in Norway Chess 2024. Arjun Erigaisi, on the other hand, cracked into the top 5 Open after picking up 17 points in the French Team Championship and Stepan Agavian Memorial. Rameshbabu Praggnanandhaa’s third-place finish in Norway Chess 2024 was enough to break into the Top 10 Open. Photo: Lennart Ootes In the women’s list, Anna Muzychuk climbed to the eighth position following her strong showings in the Norway Chess Women and Cairns Cup that brought her 16 rating points. Biggest gains in top 100 Open and Women Goltseva, Ekaterina FM 2356 (+31) Tokhirjonova, Gulrukhbegim IM 2390 (+21) Aravindh, Chithambaram GM 2703 (+19) Vokhidov, Shamsiddin GM 2643 (+19) Balajayeva, Khanim IM 2404 (+19) Maltsevskaya, Aleksandra IM 2404 (+18) Predke, Alexandr GM 2685 (+18) Erigaisi Arjun GM 2778 (+17) Muzychuk, Anna GM 2521 (+16) Shuvalova, Polina IM 2483 (+16) Niemann, Hans Moke GM 2703 (+15) Ekaterina Goltseva delivered an excellent performacne in the Vladimir Dvorkovich Memorial, gaining 31 points and topping this list. Gulrukhbegim Tokhirjonova tied for second place in the Summer Classic Group B to collect 21 rating points and move 15 positions up in the top 100 women, while Khanim Balajayeva overperformed in the Dubai Open to gain 19 rating points. Photo: Lennart Ootes Aravindh Chithambaram crossed the 2700 mark and made it into the top 30 open for the first time in his career following his great result in Team 2024—Top 16, which translates into 19 rating points.Aravindh Chithambaram crossed the 2700 mark and made it into the top 30 open for the first time in his career following his great result in Team 2024—Top 16, which translates into 19 rating points. Meanwhile, Shamsiddin Vokhidov emerged as the winner of the UzChess Cup Challengers, earning 19 points and breaking into the top 100 Open. Photo: Polski Związek Szachowy Aleksandra Maltsevskaya lost a tiebreaker for a title in the Polish Women’s Championship but can find consolation in 18 rating points and her return to the top 50 Women.
Singapore to host 2024 World Chess Championship Match
The Singapore Chess Federation, supported by the Government of Singapore, has won the bid to host the FIDE World Championship Match 2024. The Match will feature the defending Champion Ding Liren from China and the Challenger Gukesh D from India and will take place between November 20 and December 15, 2024 FIDE received three competitive applications for hosting the World Championship Match – from New Delhi (India), Chennai (India), and Singapore. After reviewing the bids and inspecting all potential host cities for their venues, amenities, event programs, and opportunities, the International Chess Federation has selected Singapore as the host of the World Championship Match. “We are delighted that for the first time in the history of FIDE, a match for the World Championship will take place in Singapore. Not only is Singapore one of the most iconic global tourist and business hubs, but it is also a thriving chess center with great ambitions and talent,” FIDE President Arkady Dvorkovich said. Photo: fairmont.com “I would also like to thank the other bidders – New Delhi and Chennai. Both cities are renowned chess hubs with a rich history of hosting chess events, and we are confident we will see major chess events there in the future,” Dvorkovich continued. “FIDE is genuinely happy to bring the FIDE World Championship Match to Singapore. Chess is not just a popular game and sport; it is often seen as the epitome of the human mind’s ability to think strategically, to plan, and to foresee. Singapore embodies these same qualities. It’s a great match for the great Match!” FIDE CEO Emil Sutovsky said. “We also expect multinational companies to seize an opportunity and join forces with FIDE and Singapore to make this event truly exceptional,” Sutovsky added. Singapore’s bid was submitted on May 31, 2024, and the inspection of the venues took place on June 11 and 12. Four possible venues are being considered for the Match, and the final decision on the exact location will be announced in due course. The Match, which boasts a sensational prize fund of 2.5 million USD, is set to take place between November 20 and December 15, 2024. About the FIDE World Championship Match The FIDE World Championship Match is one of the most important and widely watched chess events globally. Held every two years, it features the defending World Champion and the Challenger, chosen through a qualification process culminating in the Candidates Tournament, which includes eight of the world’s top players. The defending Champion is Ding Liren, who won the title after defeating Ian Nepomniachtchi in Astana, Kazakhstan, in April 2023 on tiebreaks. The Challenger is the 18-year-old Gukesh D from India, who won the Candidates Tournament in April 2024 in Toronto. The World Championship Match will consist of 14 games. The player who scores 7.5 points or more wins the Match, and no further games are played. If the score is equal after 14 games, the winner is decided by a tiebreak.
Gligoric Trophy 2024: Call for Nominations
The FIDE Award Commission reminds about Gligoric Trophy call for nominations. Svetozar Gligoric Trophy is an award given by FIDE to the individual who display exemplary behaviour promoting the spirit of fair play and sportsmanship in chess. Candidates to win the Svetozar Gligoric Trophy 2024 shall have demonstrated the following accomplishments during the period August 10, 2022 to August 10, 2024: – Outstanding gesture or action of sportsmanship during the sport event. – Outstanding contribution to the popularization of values and principles of Fair Play. – Outstanding initiatives on enforcement of integrity and high ethical values. The Svetozar Gligoric Trophy is a recognition of sportsmen who exercise the fundamental values of Fair Play both during and beyond the game. It is a way of thinking rather than a mere behaviour and is based on the concepts of: Fairness – To enjoy the victory is not enough. Triumph must include fairness and honesty. Respect – Written rules are mandatory. Unwritten rules of respect to all are obligatory. Friendship – Rivalry in sports does not exclude friendship Team Spirit – A genuine consideration for team-mates Equality – Competing on equal terms is essential Tolerance – The willingness and ability to accept what you may not agree with Care – True champions care about each other Nomination Procedures The winner of the Svetozar Gligoric Trophy is selected annually by the FIDE Award Commission, comprised of Mr Mahir Mammedov (chairman) and members of the Commission GM Mrs Judit Polgar and GM Mr Eugenio Torre. Proposals for Nominations (Nomination Letter) from Continental Federations, National Federations, and FIDE Commissions shall be submitted to the Gligoric Trophy Award Commission of FIDE (gligorictrophy@fide.com) no later than August 10, 2024. Nominations from individuals, including self-nominations, are also allowed, but they should be channelled through the Federation associated with the nominee. Please note that this award is for the nominee’s accomplishments during the preceding year, NOT a recognition of a lifelong career. The Commission’s decision is final and not open to discussion. The members of the Commission shall not give justification unless they wish so. The Award Ceremony will be held during the 45th FIDE Olympiad in Budapest in September 2024. About the award The Fair Play Award, named after Svetozar Gligoric, was established by FIDE in 2019. It honors the figure of Svetozar Gligoric, one of the top players in the world in the 1950s and 1960s and also one of the most prominent, owing to his particularly engaging personality. At the chessboard, Gligoric was an uncompromising fighter and, at the same time, a symbol of gentlemanhood and correctness. His impeccable reputation has been a deserved result of his success in chess games and fair-play manners. Gligoric’s trademark was high respect for his chess opponents. His main principle was: “It’s chess pieces, not a man I play against!” It is no coincidence that the book of Gligoric’s selected games is titled “I play against pieces!” The first recipient of the Svetozar Gligorich Award was the world champion Magnus Carlsen, who received the trophy just minutes before his debut game at the FIDE World Cup 2021 in Sochi. In 2020, when all chess activities and competitions were moved to the online arena, Magnus Carlsen reached the semi-finals in the $150,000 online “Chessable Masters” against Ding Liren. Ding, playing from China, struggled with connection problems throughout the whole event, and in the final moments of his first game against Carlsen, he suffered an unfortunate disconnection at a vital moment. Unable to reconnect on time, the Chinese Grandmaster lost the game. Minutes later, in the second game between them, the World Champion gave up his queen and resigned after just four moves to restore parity in the match. Despite the high stakes and being a ruthless competitor, Magnus Carlsen demonstrated that winning fairly was far more important to him than winning at any cost. Next year, 2021, the Svetozar Gligoric trophy went to GM Jerguš Pecháč for his exemplary behaviour and fair play spirit. The 21-year-old Slovak GM made the headlines in the second round of the European Qualification Tournament when his over-the-board rival Boris Gelfand, Israel, blundered the queen due to a mouse slip. That game was a qualifier for the FIDE World Cup in Sochi. Despite the high risk of failing to reach the next round, Pecháč graciously offered a draw to his opponent, not taking advantage of Gelfand’s unfortunate mistake. With his action, Jerguš risked not reaching the third round, but luckily for him, he advanced anyway by winning the Armageddon. The Slovak GM again demonstrated that winning at all costs is not a priority – a noble gesture that Svetozar Gligoric himself would have undoubtedly applauded. Jerguš Pecháč was awarded Gligorich Prize during the 44th World Chess Olympiad in Chennai, India, in 2022, and, symbolically enough, the awared was handed out right before his game against the first winner of the Trophy, Magnus Carlsen. The third awardee of the Gligoric Trophy is Jaden Shaw, 15, Jamaica’s Absolute Junior Champion (U20), and FIDE Candidate Master (CM). Jaden received the prize during the closing ceremony of the 44th World Chess Olympiad in Chennai, India, 2022. His opponent, GM Meelis Kanep from Estonia, got sick during the Jamaica – Estonia match and thus could not finish the game. Jaden, who debuted at the Chess Olympiad, could have rightfully insisted on such a landmark victory but agreed to a draw. This act of true sportsmanship, lauded by many, including the president of FIDE and the chief minister of Chennai, compelled the FIDE Award Commission to make an exception to the rules and to hand out the second, off-the-schedule award in the same year.
Playoff matches set at FIDE World Cup 8-12
The FIDE World Cup U8-12, taking place in Batumi, entered its decisive playoff phase. After seven exciting rounds, the young chess players fighting for medals emerged in all age categories. FIDE President Arkady Dvorkovich attended the penultimate round and made the first ceremonial move to the first board in the U12 category. During his stay, the contract for the Women Grand Prix 2024 was signed by Akaki Iashvili, president of the Georgian Chess Federation, and Arkady Dvorkovich, President of FIDE. One of the legs of this tournament series is to be hosted in the center of Tbilisi, Georgia in one of the best hotels, Biltmore. Also, the FIDE President awarded the FIDE Centenary Medals to Akaki Iashvili and Zurab Azmaiparashvili, President of the European Chess Union, for their special services to FIDE and their long-term contribution to the development of chess in Georgia and the world. Here is the list of contenders for the trophies at the FIDE World Junior Cup 2024: Open U8 Rizat Ulan (KAZ, 1733) and Aiden Linyuan Li (USA, 1853; pictured below) will fight for gold, while in the match for third place, Swain Sattwik (IND, 1567) takes on Azad Khuduzade (AZE, 1461). Open U10 Nurali Bolashakov (KAZ, 1843; pictured below) and Chenxuan Ling (USA, 1868) will square it off for gold, while Reyaansh Chakrabarty (AUS, 2185) and Platon Zabelin (FID, 1799) will play a match for gold. Open U12 Qu Haoming (CHN, 1877; pictured below) and Biloliddin Obidov (UZB, 1998) will lock horns playing for gold, whereas Damir Bulgak (FID 1931) and Gabriel Gabadadze (GEO, 1975) compete for bronze. Girls U8 The winners of their respective groups, Stella Xin (USA, 1812; pictured below) and Reana Kinzyabulatova (FIDE, 1504), will compete for the title in the final, while Chen, Zhihan (CHN) and Elizabeth Xia (USA, 1635) will battle it out for bronze. Girls U10 Milana Filippova (KAZ, 1633; pictured below) and Alisa Genrietta Yunker (FIDE, 1735) are to determine the champion in their match, while Husnorakhon Khusnitdinova (UZB, 1514) and Angelina Ambartsumyan (FIDE, 1594) will play for bronze. Girls U12 Xue Tianhao (CHN, 1754; pictured below) and Pratitee Bordoloi (IND, 1796) will fight for gold, while in a match for bronze, Kristina Zavivaeva (FIDE, 1666) will take on Devindya Oshini Gunawardhana (SRI, 1980). Official website: wcc2024.fide.com Live games:chess.com/events/2024-fide-world-cup-u8-group-a/games Video and live commentaries:youtube.com/watch?v=3yXvGJwXe3w&ab_channel=chessingeorgia64 Photos: Sophie Nikoladze and Tornike Tavadze
Liaocheng No. 1 Experimental School celebrates FIDE centenary
On the morning of June 20, 2024, Liaocheng No. 1 Experimental School (Shandong Province, China) hosted a series of events to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the FIDE, including the “Campus Chess Tournament Celebrating the 100th Anniversary of the FIDE and the First Campus Chess Tournament of Liaocheng No. 1 Experimental School.” The event was part of the 2024 “July 20 World Chess Day Chess Culture Festival.” Attendees of the opening ceremony included Bian Chuanshun, Principal of Liaocheng No. 1 Experimental School; Zhang Huaifa, Head of the Mass Sports Department of Liaocheng Education and Sports Bureau; Li Huaying, Vice Principal of Liaocheng No. 1 Experimental School; Qiu Fengchun, Vice Principal of Liaocheng No. 1 Experimental School; Li Aiying, Principal of Songgui Road Campus of Liaocheng No. 1 Experimental School; Wang Jie, Secretary General of Liaocheng Chess Association; and more than 1,000 students from the first and second grades of the school. On behalf of Liaocheng No. 1 Experimental School, Vice Principal Li Huaying extended a warm welcome to all the leaders and guests and sincerely congratulated all the participants. Principal Li stressed that Liaocheng No. 1 Experimental School has always adhered to the educational philosophy of “focusing on the development of teachers and students, laying the foundation for national rejuvenation,” and pursues high-quality, distinctive, and modern education. The school aims to cultivate innovative talents with a Chinese spirit and a global perspective, which is in line with the school motto, “Aspiration, Knowledge, Perseverance.” In the field of chess, a sport that emphasizes both wisdom and strategy, the school has raised Jiang Tianyu, the 2023 U15 World School Summer Games chess champion. Vice Principal Li also stated that on the occasion of the 100th anniversary of the FIDE, the Liaocheng No. 1 Experimental School had been selected as the representative for school chess activities in Liaocheng, which shows trust in us and tremendous encouragement for our future work. By hosting this campus tournament, we aim to promote the game of chess and enhance students’ logical thinking, competitive skills, and spirited sportsmanship. Student representative Jiang Tianyu, the 2023 U15 World School Summer Games chess champion, also delivered an inspiring speech, encouraging her peers to pursue their dreams. Representing the Liaocheng Education and Sports Bureau, section chief Zhang Huaifa congratulated the opening of the campus tournament. Zhang pointed out that we are honoured to celebrate the 100th anniversary of FIDE’s founding in 2024. The Federation has designated Liaocheng’s “July 20 World Chess Day Chess Culture Festival” as one of the global celebration venues. Today’s campus tournament is not only an important part of the culture festival and the centennial celebration of the World Chess Federation but also a crucial window and excellent opportunity to showcase the educational achievements of Liaocheng, especially in chess education, to the world. Zhang expressed special gratitude to FIDE and the Chinese Chess Association for their recognition and support of their work, congratulating Liaocheng No. 1 Experimental School again. Bian Chuanshun, principal of Liaocheng No. 1 Experimental School, announced the opening of the “Campus Chess Tournament Celebrating the 100th Anniversary of the FIDE and the First Campus Chess Tournament of Liaocheng No. 1 Experimental School.” Together with section chief Zhang Huaifa, Principal Bian made the first move to inaugurate the competition, officially commencing the celebration. Principal Bian, Director Zhang, and other leaders and guests watched the matches and activities that followed. In addition to the Campus Chess Tournament for first and second-grade students, the school held a “One vs. 100 Simultaneous Chess to Celebrate the 100th Anniversary of the FIDE.” During this event, Jiang Tianyu, the 2023 U15 World School Summer Games chess champion, played simultaneously against 100 students from the school’s middle school chess club. The school also hosted a photo exhibition titled “100 Years of Major Events of the World Chess Federation.” This exhibition used pictures to showcase significant events since the Federation’s founding in 1924, helping students learn about the Federation’s century-long development and its advocacy for a culture of peace and inclusivity. In addition to the three major events mentioned above, the school also organized various activities under the theme “Celebrating the Centennial of the World Chess Federation: Chess in My Heart.” Students waved colorful flags and ran freely around the campus, expressing their love for chess in various ways. They shared the joy, growth, and achievements brought by chess. We are family！ The series of events, including the “Celebration of the 100th Anniversary of FIDE: Campus Chess Tournament and the First Campus Chess Tournament of Liaocheng No. 1 Experimental School” are part of the 2024 “July 20 World Chess Day Chess Culture Festival.” This festival is a microcosm of the ways chess enthusiasts in China and Liaocheng celebrate the centennial of the World Chess Federation. This year’s cultural festival serves as a sub-venue for the centennial celebrations of FIDE. The organizing committee has planned multiple high-level competitions at international, national, and provincial levels, engaging chess enthusiasts broadly. Additionally, various artistic performances rich in cultural significance and widely appealing to the public are scheduled. Several of these competitions have applied for Guinness World Records. Let’s look forward to the “July 20 World Chess Day Chess Culture Festival” cultural feast!
Newly revised “Preparation of Lecturers” course announced
Dear Chess Friends, Are you ready to take your teaching skills to the next level and prepare other educators for the introduction of Educational Chess in their practices? Or perhaps your ambition is to lead FIDE Preparation of Teachers courses that award the FIDE School Instructor title? If so, then the freshly revised FIDE Preparation of Lecturers (PoL) course is for you! Mark Your Calendars: July 19-21 Where: Online, in English Duration: 15 hours The new updated PoL course offers a two-tier qualification: Lead School Instructor (LSI): The first tier of qualification enables lecturers to train colleagues and award participation certificates to participants. Join us on July 19-21 for this part of the course. Senior Lead Instructor (SLI): The second tier of qualification allows lecturers to present the FIDE Preparation of Teachers course to obtain the School Instructor (SI) title. This part of the PoL course is a one-day online course to be held on August 31. Candidate lecturers may wish to obtain only the first level of qualification by choice. The objectives of the course: Develop and enhance the skills of effective teaching of chess basics to other educators, Develop and enhance the skills of effective teaching of educational chess to other educators Enhance the ability of using active and interactive teaching methods, Improve positive professional communication skills. Target audience: Professionals with experience in chess and education. Eligibility Criteria: Chess-playing ability (club level or higher) SI title holder At least two years’ teaching experience either in a school or as a chess trainer Familiarity with various PoT presentation tools Read the detailed course description here. Investment: LSI Course Fee for the first tier: €150 Title Award: Upon successful completion, meeting assessment criteria, and payment of €70 title fee. SLI Course Fee for the second tier: €200, due upon successful completion of the first tier. Title Award: Upon successful completion, meeting assessment criteria, and payment of €100 title fee. Special Announcement for Previous Title Holders: All LSI and CEL titles obtained before 2023 are automatically upgraded to LSI titles! Receive a FREE soft copy of the new PoT coursebook. Enroll in the first tier of the PoL course (LSI title course) at no cost! Application Deadline: July 15 Limited Spots Available! Only 20 participants (first come, first served). Ready to join? Complete the registration form here. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us at edu.courses@fide.com About Court of Arbitration for Sport The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) is an institution independent of any sports organization which provides for services in order to facilitate the settlement of sports-related disputes through arbitration or mediation by means of procedural rules adapted to the specific needs of the sports world. The CAS was created in 1984 and is placed under the administrative and financial authority of the International Council of Arbitration for Sport (ICAS). The CAS has nearly 300 arbitrators from 87 countries, chosen for their specialist knowledge of arbitration and sports law. Around 300 cases are registered by the CAS every year. Official website: tas-cas.org/
Queen Trap: Music short film to feature women in chess at Chess Olympiad
Juga’s unreleased chess song, Queen Trap, will be transformed into a music short film during the 45th FIDE Chess Olympiad in Budapest. This artistic project, created by Juga in collaboration with the FIDE Commission for Women’s Chess, aims to celebrate women in chess worldwide. The short film will showcase the best female chess players from 160 countries, as well as women working in chess – organizers, streamers, photographers, and arbiters. Filming will take place on September 17, the free day of the Olympiad, at a Budapest landmark, the Hungarian Fine Arts Museum. Queen Trap promises to portray chess women as never before. The production team has already confirmed the participation of chess champions Judit Polgar, Alexandra Kosteniuk, Elizabeth Paehtz, Bibisara Assaubayeva, Tania Sachdev, and many more! Our goal is to unite all chess ladies and make this artistic performance of chess a dream come true! All female participants are invited to dress in their own style, entirely in black or white (including shoes and socks). Players will be filmed playing friendly blitz games (3+0 or 5+0 time control) against similarly ranked opponents. The games will be played on chessboards placed on low tables, with participants seated comfortably on cushions on the floor. Chess equipment, transportation to and from the filming location, and light snacks will be provided. Participants will be requested to stay at the film location for approximately 3 hours on September 17. A detailed schedule and further production information will be released soon. For players who prefer rapid or classical time controls, there is an option to indicate this on the registration form. Non-playing participants can discuss a pre-set game on a chessboard with other players. Please keep in mind: The result of the games is not important; there will be no audience or recording, only the filming crew, and only a few positions of a few games will be recognizable in the film. We just want to portray the beauty of playing and enjoying chess and the uniqueness of each chess lady! You can find the registration form on the FIDE Commission for Women’s Chess website.
Tech Mahindra Global Chess League to host its second edition in London
London, 27th June 2024: The Global Chess League, a joint initiative between the International Chess Federation (FIDE) and Tech Mahindra, a leading global provider of technology consulting and digital solutions to enterprises across industries, is set for a highly anticipated second edition in London. Following the success of the first edition, the league aims to unite the world’s top chess players in one of the most historic cities. The 10-day, one-of-a-kind chess league featuring top players will take place at Friends House, located in the heart of central London, from October 3rd to 12th, 2024. Based on the feedback from fans worldwide, London was selected as the venue for this season to connect with the fast-growing fan base and enthusiasm for chess in the European region. Photo: friendshouse.co.uk Arkady Dvorkovich, FIDE President, said, “After a fantastic response to the inaugural season, we are excited to continue our mission of expanding the reach of chess worldwide and drawing in new experiences for chess fans. Tech Mahindra’s commitment to usher in a new era in the modern chess ecosystem is commendable, and we are confident that the second edition of the league will provide the right platform and push needed to further elevate the sport.” Through this innovative league, FIDE and Tech Mahindra aim to revolutionize the fan experience of chess through a new format and ecosystem, providing an inclusive platform for fans to support their favourite teams and stars, similar to major global sports leagues. The second edition will feature top players from around the world, including reigning world champions and rising stars, competing in a unique team format that emphasizes strategy, collaboration, and high-stakes play. Mohit Joshi, Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director, Tech Mahindra, said, “Chess and business share key values such as planning, speed, strategy, and risk management. The infusion of technology opens exciting new opportunities, transforming both fields. The Global Chess League’s second edition creates a unique platform for the global growth of chess.” Building on the success of its first season, the league aims to further broaden the viewership base through live broadcasts, interactive fan experiences, and community engagement activities like soon to be launched Global Chess League Trophy Tour. In the tournament, the players will compete in a unique joint team format consisting of six players, including two top women chess players and a prodigy player per team. Each team will play a total of 10 matches in a double round-robin format, with the winner of each match being decided in a best-of-six board scoring system. Peeyush Dubey, Chairperson, Global Chess League Board, said, “We will continue to leverage the Global Chess League’s innovative format and next-gen technologies to captivate and engage fans worldwide. The second edition is seeing unprecedented excitement from our partners and stakeholders. Together with FIDE, our vision for the league is to bring the best from the chess world.” The second season will see FIDE and Tech Mahindra collaborate to tap into the growing chess fan base, build a larger audience for chess viewing, and engage in exciting fan activities such as the ongoing all-inclusive hackathon. The hackathon engages with participants of all chess skill levels and technical expertise and collates ideas for improving the way chess is experienced, played, and consumed. Participants can propose ideas in various categories, including education, digital innovation, social impact, business, and arts, among others. About FIDE The International Chess Federation (FIDE) is the governing body of the sport of chess, and it regulates all international chess competitions. Constituted as a non-governmental institution, it was recognized by the International Olympic Committee as a Global Sporting Organization in 1999. FIDE currently has its headquarters in Lausanne, but it was initially founded in 1924 in Paris under the motto “Gens una Sumus” (Latin for “We are one Family”). It was one of the very first International Sports Federations, alongside the governing bodies of the sports of Football, Cricket, Swimming, and Auto Racing. It is now one of the largest, encompassing 201 countries as affiliate members in the form of National Chess Federations. Chess is a truly global sport nowadays, with dozens of millions of players on all continents and more than 60 million games on average played every day. More information: fide.com Contact: press@fide.com About Tech Mahindra Tech Mahindra (NSE: TECHM) offers technology consulting and digital solutions to global enterprises across industries, enabling transformative scale at unparalleled speed. With 145,000+ professionals across 90+ countries helping 1100+ clients, Tech Mahindra provides a full spectrum of services, including consulting, information technology, enterprise applications, business process services, engineering services, network services, customer experience & design services, AI & analytics, and cloud & infrastructure services. It is the first Indian company in the world to have been awarded the Sustainable Markets Initiative’s Terra Carta Seal in recognition of actively leading the charge to create a climate and nature-positive future. Tech Mahindra is part of the Mahindra Group, founded in 1945, one of the largest and most admired multinational federation of companies. For more information on how TechM can partner with you to meet your scale at speed imperatives, please visit techmahindra.com, connect with us on techmahindra.com Our Social Media Channels: For more information on Tech Mahindra, please contact: Abhilasha Gupta, Head – Global Corporate Communications & Public Affairs, Tech Mahindra Email: Abhilasha.Gupta@TechMahindra.com; media.relations@techmahindra.com About Tech Mahindra Global Chess League The Global Chess League is the world’s first and largest official franchise league of its kind, with chess players from all over the world competing in a unique joint team format. It is a joint venture between Tech Mahindra, a part of the Mahindra Group, and FIDE. The league will feature male and female chess champions competing in the same team. Playing on the popular Rapid format, the league’s joint male-female teams will have the rare distinction of being a unique multiplayer team in the world of professional sports. In addition, the league is a one-of-its-kind live televised chess event offering fans a unique viewing experience. Tech Mahindra and FIDE will explore innovative ways to promote the game through interactive technology-enabled platforms by leveraging next-generation technologies such as 5G, artificial
Parivartan: Transforming lives through chess
From June 19-21, FIDE and IndianOil Corporation, in collaboration with the All India Chess Federation and the Ministry of Justice of India, organized the second in-person Chess for Freedom Conference in Pune, India. It was a fitting location for the event as Yerwada Central Jail, a high-security prison in Pune and the largest prison in South Asia, housing over 5000 prisoners, is also famous for its chess players. In October 2023, the Yerawada Central Prison team won the gold medal at the Intercontinental Online Chess Championship for Prisoners. The conference attendees had a chance to learn how these impressive results have been reached since the chess project was first introduced to Yerwada inmates in 2021. “Parivartan – Prison to Pride” is a pioneering initiative designed to empower the most disadvantaged and vulnerable group of people – prison inmates. Launched in 2021 under the leadership of IndianOil’s Chairman Mr. Shrikant Madhav Vaidya, “Parivartoan” has grown significantly, impacting 4,100 inmates in 83 prisons, including Yerwada. “IndianOil has been leading a number of social stewardship programs across the country. “Parivartan” initiative aims to build confidence and improve the well-being of prison inmates through sports. The program is in sync with IndianOil’s core value of care and will complement our ongoing initiative of employing prison inmates and people who have completed their time in prison as customer attendants at our fuel stations,” says Mr Shrikant Madhav Vaidya, Chairman of IndianOil. IndianOil, in collaboration with state police prison departments, provides coaches to train inmates in various sports, including chess, badminton, table tennis, kho-kho and basketball. The chess program boasts renowned coaches like GMs Abhijit Kunte and Surya Sekhar Ganguly, who emphasize the positive impact of sports in channeling energy and transforming lives. The support for Parivartan has extended beyond the oil giant, with renowned sports personalities contributing to this initiative. The chess courses in Indian jails are supervised by experienced coaches, including GMs Abhijit Kunte and Surya Sekhar Ganguly, WGMs Eesha Karavade, Soumya Swaminathan, Padmini Rout, to name a few. Coaches involved in the program stress its significance, noting that channelling the energy of individuals in prison through sports can positively transform their lives. “It’s heartening to witness the success and positive changes Parivartan brings about. Being a part of such initiatives fills me with immense pride,” says GM Abhijit Kunte. In 2023, following Parivartan’s success, the “Nayi Disha” program extended benefits to over 2200 young inmates at 45 Juvenile correction centers across India, building sportsmanship and camaraderie in the process. In October 2023, the Children Correctional Home team from Bhopal, India, achieved a remarkable victory by securing the gold medal in the Youth Category at the Intercontinental Online Chess Championship for Prisoners. Coaching has also been introduced in women’s prisons, beginning with Tihar Jail, and extended to 15 juvenile centers for girls. These efforts have introduced chess to over 6,000 inmates across 128 facilities in India. IndianOil’s “Parivartan” and “Nayi Disha” have gained global recognition for their social impact receiving the SportstarAces Chairperson Award 2023 for sports for social good and the prestigious Asia-Pacific Stevie Awards for Thought Leadership. Mr Shrikant Madhav Vaidya was also awarded the “Friend of FIDE” title. The award recognizes IndianOil’s valuable contribution to the FIDE Chess for Freedom program and the promotion of sport as a tool for social transformation in India. “The mission of the Parivartan project by IndianOil goes beyond the chessboard,” says Arkady Dvorkovich, FIDE President. “It is a testament to the possibilities that lie within us all. It gives the right to a better life and a second chance for everyone. I’d like to express my heartfelt gratitude to IndianOil and all those involved in the project as well as to players taking part in it.” With the 4th Intercontinental Online Chess Championship for Prisoners approaching (October 8-10), “Parivartan” and “Nayi Disha” students are already preparing to compete for medals in all three sections—men, women, and youth. To learn more about the Chess for Freedom program and other chess initiatives for prisoners, visit chessforfreedom.fide.com. Text and photos: Anna Volkova