Opinions & Interviews

MINSK, 20 March (BelTA) – Minsk has everything for hosting large-scale chess competitions in the best way possible. World Chess Federation (FIDE) Chief Executive Officer Geoffrey Borg made the statement after examining a number of sport facilities in the Belarusian capital, representatives of the Belarusian Chess Federation told BelTA.

Geoffrey Borg came to Minsk to learn about progress in preparations for a session of the FIDE Presidential Board, which is scheduled to take place in the Belarusian capital on 6-9 April. It is no secret that Minsk is eager to host the 2022 World Chess Olympiad. However, some members of the FIDE Presidential Board doubt the capability of Belarusian sport facilities to host the event. This is why Geoffrey Borg had to meet with Director General of the multifunctional entertainment and sport facility Minsk Arena Nikolai Ananyev, who took the small World Chess Federation delegation on a tour of the arena. Geoffrey Borg asked a multitude of clarifying questions and received precise answers.

The FIDE representative also visited the Minsk Marriott Hotel where participants of the FIDE Presidential Board session will stay and the sport and entertainment complex Falcon Club. The FIDE CEO scrupulously examined all the halls where chess tournaments can be held and discussed peculiarities of hosting chess competitions with the local personnel. Geoffrey Borg also visited the Minsk-based FIDE chess school where a national open chess tournament was in progress. He talked to members of Belarus’ national women’s team and the team’s coach Andrei Kovalev.