FIDE Announces 2026 Support Program for Chess Veterans: Seventeen Distinguished Players Selected for Recognition and Funding
FIDE Announces Support for Chess Veterans: Seventeen Legends to Benefit from €37,000 Fund
October 10, 2023 – The International Chess Federation (FIDE) has unveiled its latest initiative to honor the contributions of chess veterans, selecting seventeen distinguished players, coaches, and organizers to receive support from its 2026 program. This year, a total of €37,000 will be distributed among the recipients, continuing FIDE’s commitment to recognizing the enduring legacy of those who have shaped the game.
The special panel appointed by the FIDE Council meticulously reviewed numerous applications before finalizing the list of beneficiaries. Among the selected are renowned figures such as Grandmasters Leonid Yudasin (Israel) and Florin Gheorghiu (Romania), along with Woman Grandmaster Irina Levitina (USA) and International Arbiter Boris Postovsky (USA).
Since the program’s inception twelve years ago, FIDE has allocated nearly €500,000 to support chess veterans, a testament to its dedication to preserving the history and culture of chess. As part of this initiative, FIDE will honor these veterans with profiles highlighting their remarkable careers and achievements.
Celebrating the Legends
Leonid Yudasin (ISR)
A stalwart of the chess community, Yudasin’s journey began in Leningrad, where he faced significant challenges, including discrimination. His accolades include a joint victory at the 1990 USSR Championship and multiple medals at the Chess Olympiad. Now residing in New York, Yudasin continues to inspire as a coach at the Brooklyn Chess Academy.
Florin Gheorghiu (ROU)
Romania’s first Grandmaster, Gheorghiu, made history by winning the World Junior Chess Championship in 1963. His illustrious career includes a peak world ranking of No. 10 and a memorable victory over Bobby Fischer. Gheorghiu remains a prominent figure in chess literature, sharing his insights through his writings.
Irina Levitina (USA)
A Woman Grandmaster since 1976, Levitina has made significant contributions to women’s chess, including her participation in the Women’s World Championship cycle. After emigrating to the U.S., she became a champion and a mentor, shaping the next generation of players through her coaching at the International Chess Academy.
Boris Postovsky (USA)
Postovsky’s career spans decades, from his early days in Moscow to leading the Russian national team to multiple Olympiad victories. As an International Arbiter, he has officiated numerous elite events, solidifying his legacy in chess administration and coaching.
Yehuda Gruenfeld (ISR)
A Grandmaster and a pioneer in deaf chess, Gruenfeld has represented Israel internationally for over four decades. His achievements include winning the ICCD World Deaf Individual Chess Championship in 2024, showcasing his resilience and dedication to the game.
A Legacy of Excellence
The remaining recipients include notable figures such as IM Vadim Faibisovich (RUS), IM Alexander Lysenko (RUS), and WIM Ligia Jicman (ROU), each with their unique contributions to chess. From coaching and organizing to competing at the highest levels, these veterans have left an indelible mark on the chess world.
FIDE’s initiative not only provides financial support but also serves as a reminder of the rich history and culture of chess, celebrating those who have dedicated their lives to the game. As the chess community looks forward to the future, it is essential to honor the past and recognize the veterans who have paved the way for generations to come.
For more information on the recipients and their contributions, visit FIDE’s official website.