Anand Takes Over as FIDE Interim President
Viswanathan Anand steps in, Dvorkovich sidelined by EU sanctions

Viswanathan Anand has taken over as the interim president of the International Chess Federation (FIDE) after President Arkady Dvorkovich stepped aside due to European Union sanctions. Dvorkovich, who has been sanctioned over Russia's invasion of Ukraine, called the move 'unlawful and unfair' and announced plans to challenge it legally.
As the Deputy President of FIDE, Anand will now serve as the interim president, taking on the responsibilities of the position. This development comes at a significant time for Indian chess, with the country preparing to participate in the FIDE Chess Olympiad.
The FIDE Chess Olympiad is a major international chess event, and India has named its squads for the tournament. D Gukesh and Koneru Humpy will lead the Indian teams, with high hopes for a strong performance. The Olympiad is a prestigious event that brings together top chess players from around the world, and India's participation is expected to be closely watched.
Dvorkovich's decision to step aside is a result of the EU sanctions, which have been imposed on several Russian individuals and entities in response to the country's actions in Ukraine. The sanctions have had a significant impact on various fields, including sports, and have led to several high-profile individuals being sidelined from their positions.
Anand, a legendary Indian chess player, is widely respected in the chess community for his achievements and contributions to the sport. His appointment as interim president is seen as a positive development, and he is expected to bring his expertise and experience to the position.
The FIDE Chess Olympiad is scheduled to take place later this year, and India's preparations are underway. The event is expected to be highly competitive, with top teams from around the world participating. India's chances of winning will depend on the performance of its players, and the team's preparation and strategy will be crucial in determining its success.
In the meantime, Dvorkovich's decision to challenge the EU sanctions legally is expected to be closely watched. The outcome of the challenge will have significant implications for his future role in FIDE and the wider chess community.
The development is also significant for India, which has been actively involved in promoting chess and developing the sport in the country. The government and chess organizations have been working together to promote the sport, and the participation of Indian players in international events like the FIDE Chess Olympiad is seen as an important step in this direction.
Overall, the appointment of Anand as interim president of FIDE is a significant development for Indian chess, and his leadership is expected to have a positive impact on the sport. The FIDE Chess Olympiad is a major event, and India's participation is expected to be closely watched. The outcome of Dvorkovich's challenge to the EU sanctions will also be closely followed, and its implications for the chess community will be significant.
The news of Anand's appointment as interim president has been welcomed by the chess community, and his experience and expertise are expected to be valuable assets in the position. As the chess world looks to the future, the leadership of FIDE will be closely watched, and Anand's role will be crucial in shaping the direction of the sport.
In conclusion, the appointment of Viswanathan Anand as interim president of FIDE is a significant development for Indian chess and the wider chess community. His leadership and expertise are expected to have a positive impact on the sport, and his role will be closely watched in the coming months.
Frequently asked questions
Who is the new interim president of FIDE?
Viswanathan Anand is the new interim president of FIDE.
Why did Dvorkovich step aside as FIDE president?
Dvorkovich stepped aside due to EU sanctions imposed on him over Russia's invasion of Ukraine.