Garry Kasparov’s Visit to Chennai for World Chess Championship: Fide’s Cold Shoulder

Chess legend Garry Kasparov snubbed by world chess federation during visit to Chennai

Chennai: Garry Kasparov, the legendary chess player who famously started a rival world championship two decades ago, found himself at the receiving end of a cold welcome from the world chess federation, Fide, during his recent visit to Chennai.

Despite being one of the greatest players in the history of the sport, Kasparov did not receive any attention from the organizers of the ongoing world championship match in Chennai. He arrived in the city to support Magnus Carlsen, the Norwegian challenger to Viswanathan Anand’s world title.

Kasparov, who briefly coached Carlsen in 2009, checked into the Hyatt Regency hotel in Chennai, where the match is being held, accompanied by his wife. However, he was only received by hotel officials and not by the organizers of the event.

Fide vice-president D.V. Sundar stated that Kasparov was not invited by the world chess federation and that they had no authority to welcome or not welcome him. Despite his stature in the chess world, Kasparov was not allowed to address the media at the venue of the world championship match.

The Indian chess federation’s decision to not acknowledge Kasparov’s visit has been criticized by some, with one Indian grandmaster calling it a “PR disaster.” Kasparov himself stated that he was in Chennai as a “chess tourist” and that he was disappointed by the lack of recognition from the organizers.

Kasparov, who retired from competitive chess in 2005, remains a revered figure in the world of chess. He has announced his intention to contest the Fide presidential elections next year, a move that has garnered attention and support from some quarters.

Despite the snub from the organizers, Kasparov’s presence in Chennai is expected to draw a large crowd of fans eager to see the former world champion in action. His visit has reignited discussions about his legacy in the sport and his potential impact on the future of chess governance.