Arkady Dvorkovich: Five Years as FIDE’s President

News,World of Chess

It’s been half a decade since Arkady Dvorkovich was chosen as the leader of FIDE, the global governing body for chess. His election in 2018 in Batumi, Georgia, marked the beginning of a new era for the International Chess Federation. He was re-elected in 2022 in Chennai, India, succeeding the long-standing president, Kirsan Ilyumzhinov.

Arkady Dvorkovich – source: Arkady Dvorkovich as the President of FIDE (www.fide.com)

When Dvorkovich took the reins, he presented a vision of reviving FIDE’s dignity and function. His agenda highlighted greater accountability, reduced bureaucracy, lowered fees for national chess bodies, and enhanced support for chess growth.

During his leadership, Dvorkovich has:

  • Revamped Management: He emphasized modernizing FIDE’s management system and increasing transparency. This included revising the election process, forming new oversight committees, and conducting independent financial audits.
  • Boosted Finances: FIDE saw a fivefold budget growth, coupled with reduced federation fees. Strategic partnerships secured substantial funds, making FIDE financially stronger.
  • Enhanced Championships: Sponsors were obtained, and prize money was significantly increased for major tournaments. This raised the profile of chess events globally.
  • Promoted Chess: With a global team and increased funding, FIDE has actively promoted chess, especially among the youth. They have also sponsored various chess-in-education programs and supported national federations.
  • Encouraged Gender Equality: FIDE launched initiatives to boost female participation in chess, from players to coaches.
  • Championed Inclusivity: Special programs and funds were allocated to cater to the elderly, children with ASD, the disabled, prisoners, and refugees.
  • Embraced Digital Transformation: FIDE adapted to the digital era, especially during the pandemic, by hosting online events and seeking collaboration with esports platforms.
  • Organized Global Events: FIDE successfully held major chess events worldwide, emphasizing hosting tournaments in diverse regions.
  • Introduced New Events: Dvorkovich ensured the creation of new and innovative chess tournaments, drawing more attention and investment to the sport.

Looking back, Dvorkovich commented, “The world has faced many challenges in the past five years. Despite this, we’ve transformed FIDE, making it a pillar of global chess. Our journey towards further improvement, inclusivity, and leveraging technology continues.”

Join the Movement! Let’s continue supporting FIDE and the beautiful game of chess. Engage with FIDE’s initiatives and help make the world of chess even more inclusive and vibrant for everyone!

source: www.fide.com

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