ISLAMABAD: Pakistan President Dr. Arif Alvi has urged to promote chess in the country, particularly at grassroots levels, by fostering partnerships with international chess organizations, involving the private sector, and organizing national chess championships.
Arif Alvi expressed these sentiments during a meeting with a delegation from the International Chess Federation (FIDE) at Aiwan-e-Sadr today.
The delegation, including Mr. Arkady Dvorkovich, President of FIDE and former Deputy Prime Minister of the Russian Federation, Sheikh Sultan bin Khalifa Al-Nehayan, President of the Asian Chess Federation, Ms. Dana Reizniece-Ozola, Managing Director of FIDE, Dr. Nigel Short, British Chess Grandmaster, Mr. Hisham Al Taher, Secretary-General of the Asian Chess Federation, Mr. Jauhar Saleem, Chief Patron of Chess Federation of Pakistan, and other members, discussed the promotion of chess in Pakistan.
President Alvi said the importance of promoting healthy activities like chess in the country, recognizing its mental and educational benefits. He suggested integrating chess into the education system, citing its stress-relieving properties and positive impact on intellectual development.
The President advocated for the organization of chess competitions and tournaments to encourage the sport in Pakistan. He also highlighted the necessity of forging collaborations between the public and private sectors to support and promote chess at a national level.
The FIDE delegation briefed President Alvi on the organization’s role in promoting chess globally and underscored the significant potential for expanding chess-related activities in Pakistan. The delegation suggested the promotion of chess at the primary school level, emphasizing the participation of chess players in online World chess tournaments.
