?It Is Unbearably Painful?-32 Russian Chess Grand Masters Stand Up for Ukrainian Competitors Amidst Ongoing Conflict

One week has passed since the ongoing European crisis started, and it has deeply affected the entire world. Not just the economy and politics, but its impacts are well visible in the world sports fraternity as well. Almost all the major world sports organizations have issued Russian exclusion from their respective sports, including chess.

The International Chess Federation, FIDE, suspended the Russian Grand Masters from all the international chess events. And has also pulled out from all the future tournaments to be held in Russia. However, standing in solidarity with the world, the Russian Chess players are standing up against their own nation.

Russian chess Grand Masters wrote a letter to the president Vladimir Putin

Deeply affected by the ongoing crisis; top Russian Grand Masters wrote to president Putin to shut down the ongoing conflict. In the letter, signed by 32 Grand Masters, the Russian Chess Federations said, ” it is unbearably painful for us to see the catastrophe that is happening.”

They further added, “In these tragic days, we think of all the people who found themselves in the center of this terrible conflict. We share the pain with our Ukrainian colleagues and call for peace.”

Russian Grand Master Ian Nepomniachtchi, Women’s World Rapid Champion Alexandra Kosteniuk, Daniil Dubov, Peter Svidler, Andrey Esipenko, Alexander Khalifman, Valentina Gunina, Alina Kashlinskaya, and Polina Shuvalova were amongst the signatories.

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150-nation chess Olympiad pulled out from Russia

After suspending the Russian Grand Masters, FIDE has also pulled out from the Chess Olympiad, which was to be held in Russia. While the other countries are currently bidding to host the tournament. Furthermore, in the light of ongoing world tension; FIDE has terminated its deal with Russian sponsors like Gazprom, PhosAgro, and Nornickel.

Apart from the events in Russia, the other chess tournament also has been postponed for the time being. Including the world team championship to be held in Jerusalem, Israel.

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While the Russian Grand Masters have shown a great effort towards world peace. However, no one can say for sure how long will it take to get things normal as before.