FIDE Commends Qatar for World Rapid and Blitz Championship Readiness

The International Chess Federation, known as FIDE, has expressed strong approval of Qatar’s facilities as the nation prepares to host the FIDE World Rapid and Blitz Championships from December 25 to 31, 2023. The organization highlighted Qatar’s capability to deliver an exceptional event, citing the country’s track record in hosting significant global competitions in recent years.

Inspection Visit Sets the Stage

A FIDE delegation, led by Victor Bologan, Executive Director, recently visited the Qatar University Sports and Events Complex to assess the readiness for the upcoming championships. They were accompanied by Mohammed Al Mudahka, President of the Qatar Chess Association (QCA), and Anton Zhuravlev, FIDE Chief Operating Officer.

During the visit, Bologan voiced confidence in Qatar’s ability to host the championships, commending its world-class facilities and operational efficiency. He stated that these attributes will significantly contribute to making this edition of the event a standout.

He emphasized Qatar’s recent experience in hosting world championships, which bolstered trust in its bid, particularly following the successful 2016 championships held in Doha.

Promotional Plans and Future Events

The purpose of the delegation’s visit was not only to assess the preparation but also to discuss promotional and marketing strategies for the championships. Al Mudahka mentioned that several coordination meetings were held to ensure that all arrangements are in place for a remarkable chess event.

Discussions also included plans for future events, as the QCA is exploring opportunities to organize additional competitions as part of their promotional efforts. The finals will take place at the Qatar University Sports and Events Complex, which will feature dedicated training halls, a main broadcast media center, and official tournament hotels.

Preparations for the event are in full swing, with QCA’s Executive Director and Tournament Director Hamad Al-Tamimi announcing that ticket sales are expected to begin in early November. He noted that the championships will provide young players with the chance to observe elite competitors, fostering interest in the sport among the next generation.

The tournament will feature a total prize fund of €1 million, attracting approximately 350 male and female players, including some of the world’s top talents. The inaugural World Rapid Championship held in Doha in 2016 was won by Vasyl Ivanchuk, featuring 120 grandmasters and 36 women grandmasters.

The Head of Sports Facilities at Qatar University, Hammoud Al-Hajri, stated that the aim is to deliver a remarkable edition of the World Rapid and Blitz Championships, highlighting the FIDE delegation’s admiration for the venues and facilities reviewed during their visit.