Address to the Chess Community
Chess is experiencing remarkable global growth, with millions of new players discovering the game through online platforms, schools and community programmes. This gives FIDE a unique opportunity to turn today’s momentum into lasting development for every Member Federation.
I am honoured to stand for election as President of FIDE, together with five-time World Champion Viswanathan Anand as Deputy President, leading a united and experienced team committed to strengthening our Federation.
My experience as an entrepreneur, investor, President of the Kazakhstan Chess Federation and President of the International School Chess Federation has taught me that lasting success depends on strong institutions, clear strategy, responsible governance and long-term partnerships.
Our programme focuses on four priorities that will shape FIDE’s future: digital transformation, chess in education, financial sustainability and institutional development.
With more than 200 Member Federations, FIDE must be a trusted partner to every federation, ensuring equal respect, opportunity and support for all. Together, we can build the next chapter of FIDE’s success.
I look forward to your ideas, feedback and support.
Timur Turlov,
Candidate for FIDE President;
Candidate for FIDE President;
VISWANATHAN (VISHY) ANAND
Candidate for the Position of FIDE Deputy President
Born in Chennai, India, on 11 December 1969.
Five-time World Chess Champion (2000, 2007, 2008, 2010 and 2012).
India's first Grandmaster (1988), opening a new era for Indian chess.
Ranked among the world's top ten players for more than two decades.
One of the few champions to remain at the highest level across the Soviet, computer and modern professional chess eras.
Played a key role in inspiring India's rise as a global chess superpower through the development of chess academies and youth talent.
FIDE Deputy President since 2022, working with federations to strengthen youth programmes, chess in education and the development of emerging federations.
Internationally respected leader with over 40 years of experience as both a world-class player and sports administrator.
Global chess leader • Trusted international ambassador • Experienced sports administrator
Digital transformation
A unified digital platform for FIDE and equal access to modern digital tools for every federation.
Actions and Commitments
Actions and Commitments
Chess in education
Expanding chess within national education systems and ensuring equal access for every child.
Actions and Commitments
Actions and Commitments
Global development of chess
Supporting federations with limited resources across all continents.
Actions and Commitments
Actions and Commitments
Financial sustainability
Helping federations attract funding and develop reliable, long-term sources of income.
Actions and Commitments
Actions and Commitments
Supporting players and the professional chess community
Improve conditions for players, coaches, arbiters, organisers and volunteers by raising professional standards and supporting career development
Actions and Commitments
Actions and Commitments
Equality and fairness among federations
Ensuring every federation, regardless of size, has an equal voice and equal access to services and development opportunities.
Actions and Commitments
Actions and Commitments
Sport and competitions
A predictable World Championship cycle and an international competition calendar published well in advance.
Actions and Commitments
Actions and Commitments
Women in Chess
Growth of prize funds, dedicated competitions, and more women in FIDE leadership and management.
Actions and Commitments
Actions and Commitments
Social programmes and chess for everyone
Support for federations’ social programmes so that chess reaches every community.
Actions and Commitments
Actions and Commitments
Open and professional global governance
Lead FIDE with transparency, accountability and the highest standards of institutional governance while protecting its independence and strengthening confidence among Member Federations.
Actions and Commitments
Actions and Commitments
The Principles behind my programme
Sustainability
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Transparency and accountability
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Professionalism
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Fairness
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Service to the Game
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A NEW FEDERATION.
A GLOBAL MOVEMENT.
The International School Chess Federation has launched a global competition system uniting schools and young players across continents.
The International School Chess Federation (ISCF) is building the world’s largest school chess platform, connecting countries, schools and future generations of chess players.
OUR JOURNEY SO FAR
Continuity
I am standing for election as FIDE President with a programme that combines continuity with a higher level of effectiveness and ambition.
FIDE has achieved important progress in recent years. My ambition is to preserve what has proven successful while strengthening the Federation wherever it can provide greater value to Member Federations.
Together with my team, I am prepared to take responsibility for FIDE’s strategic direction and for turning the commitments in this programme into measurable results.
FIDE has achieved important progress in recent years. My ambition is to preserve what has proven successful while strengthening the Federation wherever it can provide greater value to Member Federations.
Together with my team, I am prepared to take responsibility for FIDE’s strategic direction and for turning the commitments in this programme into measurable results.
Conclusion
Chess brings people together across borders, cultures, and generations, and FIDE provides the global home for our game. At a time of growing division, we must protect and strengthen this unity.
My programme is built on equality among Member Federations, financial sustainability, innovation and transparent governance. I will bring my experience in institutional development, chess in education and long-term investment to support every federation according to its needs.
I respectfully ask for your support and your trust.
Together, let us build a fairer, more sustainable, and truly global FIDE.
My programme is built on equality among Member Federations, financial sustainability, innovation and transparent governance. I will bring my experience in institutional development, chess in education and long-term investment to support every federation according to its needs.
I respectfully ask for your support and your trust.
Together, let us build a fairer, more sustainable, and truly global FIDE.
Timur Turlov • Candidate for President of FIDE