MUMBAI: Indian chess legend Viswanathan Anand has been recently named as one of Asia’s continental assistants to World Chess Federation (FIDE) President Arkady Dvorkovich.
IANS reports that Dvorkovich has appointed three more continental assistants namely former world champion Vladimir Kramnik (who is set to represent Europe), Venezuela Chess Federation President Fidel Gonzalez representing the Americas) and African Chess Confederation VP Tshepiso Lopang for the continent of Africa.
The FIDE believes that the quartet’s experience and pedigree is essential for the governing body to continue developing and promoting chess across the globe.
“By virtue of these appointments, the four Continental Assistants also become councilors of the Planning and Development Commission, a new body that was created on the FIDE President’s initiative that will assist national federations in chess development,” the FIDE said in a statement.
“More excellent news on a New Year eve: two world chess champions, Vishy Anand and Vladimir Kramnik, have agreed to help FIDE and our chess community as President’s Advosors (Advisors)! Do not worry, they are not going to quit playing chess,” Dvorkovich had tweeted on his official Twitter handle.
