Chess in the Olympics: Viswanathan Anand Provides Crucial Update on FIDE’s Push

Legendary chess player Viswanathan Anand has provided an exciting update on the potential inclusion of chess in the Olympics. In a recent interview with TV9 Telugu, Anand revealed that FIDE, the World Chess Federation, has been actively working with the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to make this dream a reality.

Anand expressed his belief that having chess in the Olympics would greatly enhance the global recognition of the sport. He noted that FIDE is in close collaboration with the IOC to make this happen, despite the challenges they face in meeting the criteria set by the Olympic Committee.

The delay in chess’ inclusion in the Olympics can be attributed to historical conflicts within the chess world, as Anand pointed out. The rivalry between FIDE and the now-defunct Professional Chess Association (PCA), led by Garry Kasparov, created division and hindered the progress of the sport towards Olympic recognition.

However, Anand remains optimistic about the future of chess in major global events. He mentioned the possibility of chess being included in the esports Olympics or even the main Olympics in the near future. He highlighted the importance of chess’s presence in events like the Asian Games as a stepping stone towards Olympic inclusion.

India’s burgeoning success in chess, with players like D Gukesh, R Praggnanandhaa, and Arjun Erigaisi making waves in the global rankings, further emphasizes the country’s growing dominance in the sport. While the dream of chess in the Olympics is yet to be realized, the efforts of FIDE and the increasing popularity of chess worldwide may soon make it a reality.