Today is another event by the #SayChess team, a cocktail interactive meeting to sound out that Mr. Arkady Dvorkovich, the current president of FIDE (International Chess Federation), is leaving no stone unturned to win as he seeks reelection.
Before this, there was a media parley during which the #SayChess booth was opening with opportunities for people to send a goodwill message via post card anywhere in the world, chess board tables, and an opportunity for anyone to have his or her image drawn, plus souvenirs given solely to delegates. Contents include power bank.
According to reports reaching us, despite the clamour for him to be unseated due to the war against Ukraine, Mr. Arkady is adjudged the best president in the history of FIDE and he has brought so much development to chess.
One is declaring this year as the Year of the Woman in a bid to draw in more women into the male dominated game of chess.
The issue of the war stands tall and an opposing candidate, Mr. Andrii Baryshpolets, while presenting his manifesto to members of the Zone 4.2 was vehement in his statement that Mr. Arkady being a Russian and former Deputy Prime Minister should be held morally responsible for the war by Russia against Ukraine.
In his own presentation, Mr. Arkady made it clear that he was booted out of a Russian Committee because of his stand made clear against the war. His heart has always been for chess 80% and now 100% solely for chess.
Unlike other candidates whose focus was to denigrate or pull down Mr. Dvorkovich, he clearly laid down plans which include supporting federations, making tournaments stronger and increasing social impacts.
“Dvorkovich will have a smooth sail despite the issue of the war and other things labeled against him because he has been an exceptional president who is passionate about chess."
FIDE under Arkady has gone over and beyond but it is noticeable that his current ticket does not include an African.
Whether this hole will be plugged by the reelection or appointment of Mr. Olalekan Adeyemi who is a Vice President is yet unknown but it is visible that Dvorkovich has one spot left unfilled.
One notable gain for FIDE under Arkady's leadership is huge increase in budget. Many in the past have lamented that chess being an individual sport may never be able to woo sponsors but his present team proved that wrong by raising well over 12 million dollars and doing great work across continents especially with social projects which came to the fore during the Olympiad with the pavilions for Queens and Social Projects.
This is in spite of reducing fees paid by federations and many federations. He maintains that chess is a tool to make life better for people. Initiatives include chess for preschool, chess for freedom, chess for refugees, chess for protection, chess for freedom, chess for those with disabilities, chess for elders or seniors, chess in prison, chess for helping children with autism, chess in education, chess for women and of course infinite chess.
"I truly believe in using chess for the benefit of the society" were the words of Dana Ozola, the current MD of FIDE
Another budgetary gain is the partnership with Mahindra who launched a chess app now available on Apple and Android.
It is under Dvorkovich that FIDE became staffed with high end people who work full time. Their contribution is immense and visible as the present Olympiad and FIDE Congress has been smooth sailing.
It should be pointed out that FIDE previously had no bank account but this was rectified under his leadership by the Treasurer.
The negotiation that brought Mr. Viswanathan Anand, the Chess World Champion, on board as Dvorkovich’s Deputy Candidate is one many are mute about. This can be deduced as part of the agreements as a result of India accepting to host the Olympiad at such short notice after Moscow was ruled out as host. Mr. Anand who has been more of a player must now receive training to play an active part in the administration of FIDE. His ability to do that is not in doubt.
Anand was a member of the board of directors of Olympic Gold Quest, a foundation for promoting and supporting India's elite sportspersons and potential young talent.
The nagging question is whether Mr. Anand, aka the Tiger of Madras, would continue to avoid politics has he has done over the years, which has endeared him to many.
With the withdrawal of the Inalbek Sheripov, and Lewis Ncube ticket due to Sheripov's ill-health, contenders for the FIDE Presidency includes 31 year old Ukrainian Andrii Baryshpolets whose deputy is Mr. Peter-Heine Nielsen and Mr. Bachar Kouatly whose deputy is Mr. Ian Wilkinson
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