Chess Player Anna Cramling Speaks Out Against Harassment in Chess World

Swedish chess player and influencer WFM Anna Cramling has bravely come forward as one of the victims of harassment by Latvian IM Andrejs Strebkovs. Strebkovs was recently banned by FIDE for five years after sending explicit materials to young female players for over a decade. Cramling revealed that she too received such a letter several years ago, expressing her shock and dismay at the leniency of the punishment.

The 22-year-old, daughter of renowned GMs Pia Cramling and Juan Bellon Lopez, is a popular figure in the chess world with a massive following on social media and YouTube. She recounted the disturbing experience of receiving the letter at her family home, mistaking it for a friendly message before realizing its explicit contents.

Cramling criticized the length of Strebkovs’ ban, calling for a stricter punishment for his reprehensible actions. She highlighted the need for a safer environment for female players in the chess community, citing her own experiences of harassment and inappropriate behavior.

The story has sparked outrage among many, with calls for a lifetime ban for Strebkovs and stronger measures to address harassment in chess. Cramling’s courage in speaking out sheds light on the ongoing challenges faced by female players and underscores the importance of creating a more inclusive and respectful environment in the chess world.