FIDE President Arkady Dvorkovich in a media interaction on Saturday.
PANAJI
With the FIDE World Cup returning to India after 23 long years, FIDE President Arkady Dvorkovich in a media interaction on Saturday, expressed his delight on Goa playing host to the 11th FIDE World Cup edition.
Arkady expressed his gratitude to the Government at the Centre, State, and the All India Chess Federation (AICF) for executing all necessary qualifications for hosting a tournament of such magnitude.
“Our next challenge is to ensure India leads by example to bring in the next generation,” Arkady admitted. “We want to bring chess in schools, and create a foundation for the development of the future. Not only have 20 top players, but thousands of young players playing and some of them reaching the top level.”
“We (FIDE) have signed a “chess in schools” memorandum recently with the All India Chess Federation (AICF) and KIIT University to promote chess in education across India and the world,” Arkady divulged.
On the unfounded online accusations where many in the chess community felt that GM Vladimir Kramnik led to toxicity and stress levels that eventually led to the demise of GM Daniel Naroditsky, at 29, he candidly gave his two cents. “We, at FIDE, are sorry about the tragic death of “Danya”. His personality influenced the chess world in a positive manner by being a great player, commentator and educator,” he poignantly said.
“We all understand he (Naroditsky) was affected by aggressive hints related to potential cheating and even if they were not direct accusations, he felt like they pointed towards him. For example, GM David Navara as well. At this moment, the FIDE Ethics Committee are investigating the matter and it would take 2-4 months to arise to a conclusion,” Arkady disclosed.
Arkady also mentioned that long before Danya’s passing away, he tried to persuade Kramnik that he has to be less aggressive and that he has to provide full proof before bringing any accusations.
With traditional formats still holding much sway, would FIDE look at inclusivity of freestyle chess or Chess960 under their Federation? Arkady states that a format like classical chess is still more interesting, and that is not just his on opinion but what data suggests.
He does not concur to the though process that classical chess mostly leads to draws with players getting through games with theory and results being far less. “In the Grand Swiss in Samarkand, there were about 40 per cent decisive results which is a good outcome. There were many exciting games, and few boring draws,” he pointed out.
Arkady admitted that for top players freestyle chess or Chess960 is fine, as they are earning good money and showcasing their best. But on the flip side, he felt spectators and the overall chess community are being marginalized.
On maintaining a fine line of maintaining decorum in dress code, while keeping one’s comfort and national sensibilities in check, Arkady said, “It all depends on the level of the event. If you are talking of a small event like a World Championship or Candidates tournament, one would expect the players to be more formal. For the World Rapid and Blitz tournament, we do believe that a more informal attire is suitable. In Grand Swiss Samarkand, we had lighter dress code, with jeans allowed. Players understand it is good to be elegant. As for national attire, small details are changed.”
