The International Chess Federation (FIDE) has decided to join hands with the International World Games Association (IWGA). The decision came on Saturday, April 25, at the latter’s Annual General Meeting held in Lausanne. In that meeting, FIDE was granted the IWGA membership.
IWGA CEO, Joachim Gossow, welcomed FIDE on their inclusion as one of the members. “We are very pleased to welcome FIDE as a Member of the IWGA. Chess is one of the most widely practised and recognised disciplines worldwide, and its inclusion reflects our commitment to embracing a diverse range of sports, including mind sports, within our organisation,” Gossow stated.
After reviewing the submitted application, the IWGA members voted to approve FIDE’s admission. With the inclusion, the number of IWGA Member Federations has now gone up by 40. This new step aims to represent an important step in the development and diversification of the IWGA. They can strengthen their global reach and the range of sports represented within The World Games Movement.
Following the inclusion, FIDE President Arkady Dvorkovich expressed his thoughts on the new embarkation for the governing body of international chess competition.
Dvorkovich said, “Chess is a truly global sport that unites millions of players across all continents through strategy, discipline, and creativity. Its inclusion within the IWGA reflects the growing recognition of mind sports alongside traditional athletic disciplines and the shared values of excellence, fair play, and international exchange.
“We are very excited for this new chapter and the opportunities it will bring for the continued development of chess within the international sporting movement.”
