Disclaimer: As a matter of fairness, I will publish articles, letters, and information from both parties when I receive them.
Kirsan Ilyumzhinov: “Chess – A Bridge Between the East and the West”
Russia! Magazine interviewed Kirsan Ilyumzhinov, incumbent President of FIDE (World Chess Federation) and President of the Russian republic of Kalmykia.
Mr. Ilyumzhinov: How do you feel about being nominated for president of FIDE (World Chess Federation) by Russia?
I am proud that our persistent work in popularizing chess – not only worldwide but also within Russia – has been appreciated. As for the Russian Chess Federation, I am heartened by the fact that at a recent meeting of the Supervisory Board, the board managed to overcome a crisis that has been impeding its progress for months. Russia was, is and always will be a great world chess power. FIDE can’t be apathetic towards the success of a local federation. I am happy to see the work of the federation resume in full and go forward.
I also support the measures being taken by the chairman of the Russian Chess Federation, Arkady Dvorkovich. There have been noticeable improvements on all fronts since he’s been heading the federation.
The national FIDE presidential nominations deadline was on June 29th, 2010. You were nominated for FIDE president by Russia, and it has been announced that Anatoly Karpov’s candidacy was brought forward by several European countries. What do you think about the 2010 elections?
Despite the fact that the 12-th World Champion was nominated by other countries, he is a Russian national. So it turns out that both candidates are representing Russia de-facto. This confirms that Russia is a world chess power with deep traditions. And, naturally, I’m proud that my own native country has nominated me for president of FIDE. Historically, our country has played a great part in the development of chess and I hope that it will serve as a bridge between the East and the West, both in the chess world and socially and politically. I am deeply convinced that chess will serve as effective means of communication between countries with different economic, political, ideological and religious systems.
As president of FIDE, I focus on making the most intelligent game on the planet serve the development of positive dialogue between all nations and people.
Anatoly Karpov team’s campaign tactics are built on criticizing your work as the president of FIDE. What is your opinion of the 12th World Champion?
Personally, I respect him. He is a chess player whose name will forever be part of chess history. Because of this, I have always supported him and even sponsored some of his competitions, including those for the chess crown, total value of the sponsorship exceeding $1 million dollars. I’m aware that he and the 14th World Champion Garry Kasparov are touring Latin America where these chess grandmasters will participate in simultaneous exhibitions. I commend this initiative, especially if they’re not charging money for these matches.
Undoubtedly, masses of chess fans will flock for a chance to play with such masters. I hope that the grandmasters will respond to my proposal to continue conducting events like these.
Here is the full interview.
It’s a good interview.