The Saudi Chess Federation is the entity responsible for chess-related activities in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. It was established in 2017 with the aim of promoting the culture of mental sports in society, enhancing the technical level of national talents including players, coaches, and referees, as well as implementing and regulating activities according to the highest international standards. Additionally, it represents the Kingdom in international federations and competes for titles and medals globally. The federation possesses legal status and is officially recognized by the International Chess Federation.
On December 25, 2017, the King Salman World Chess Championship kicked off, organized by the General Sports Authority (currently the Ministry of Sport), in collaboration with the Saudi and International Chess Federations. The Saudi national team also participated in the World Olympiad in India in 2022. In 2023, the Kingdom received the majority of votes from the General Assembly of the Asian Chess Federation to host the Asian Chess Championship.
Objectives of the Saudi Chess Federation
The Saudi Chess Federation aims to implement the best global practices in chess, increase the popularity of mind sports, train players, referees, and coaches to participate in international events, as well as to represent the Kingdom and compete for titles and medals at the global level. In pursuit of these goals, it works towards achieving sustainability for self-resources, establishing a modern institutional and administrative system, enhancing technical efficiency, expanding the federation's scope of work locally and internationally, supporting communication systems and information technology, as well as developing the capabilities of its affiliates.
The history of chess in the Kingdom
The starting point for chess in the Kingdom was in 1974 in Riyadh City, which hosted the first chess tournament. In 2010, enthusiasts of this sport contributed to the establishment of the Saudi Chess Club, resulting in the organization of the first official chess championship in the Kingdom.
After the success of the Saudi Chess Club and the increasing interest in it, the Saudi Chess Association was established in 2013. It obtained membership from the International Chess Federation, marking the organization of the first international tournament in the Kingdom. In 2017, the Saudi Chess Federation was founded, marking the beginning of overseeing chess activities within an institutional framework. The first classic chess tournament under its supervision was held in 2018.
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