Centenary Celebrations at FIDE World Team Championships Open in Astana
The FIDE World Team Rapid and Blitz Championships 2024 have officially begun in the capital of Kazakhstan, Astana, with a grand opening ceremony on Aug. 1.
The International Chess Federation (FIDE) reported that the event marked the start of an exciting week of top-notch chess competitions, celebrating the game’s rich history and future.
The opening ceremony featured FIDE’s Torch Relay, commemorating the 100th anniversary of the International Chess Federation. The relay started at the Atameken monument and ended at the Amphitheater, showcasing a parade of top chess players, local authorities, and prominent figures from Kazakhstan.
The torchbearers included FIDE President Arkady Dvorkovich, Kazakh Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov, President of Kazakhstan Chess Federation Timur Turlov, and current World Champions Ding Liren and Ju Wenjun. Young chess stars like Bibisara Assaubayeva also took part, symbolizing the future of the sport in Kazakhstan.
Bektenov delivered an emotional opening speech, emphasizing the event’s importance for Kazakhstan and the global chess community.
Dvorkovich expressed his joy in celebrating FIDE’s centenary and the collaborative spirit of the chess world. He highlighted the significance of hosting such a prestigious event in Kazakhstan and looked forward to a successful tournament and a promising future for FIDE and the chess world.
Turlov emphasized the importance of hosting the FIDE World Rapid and Blitz Team Championships and thanked FIDE for their support in joint efforts. He praised the chess world stars for being role models for young Kazakhstan citizens who are learning and playing chess.
The FIDE 100th Anniversary Torch was ceremonially passed from Dvorkovich to Bektenov, and then to Turlov, signifying unity and pride within the chess community. The relay concluded with former women’s World Champion and current Women’s No. 1, Hou Yifan, lighting the ceremonial bowl, symbolizing the enduring flame of chess.
The evening ended with a spectacular display of fireworks as Dvorkovich officially declared the Championships open. The participants and spectators were treated to a countdown and a dazzling fireworks show to mark the beginning of the chess extravaganza in Astana.
