International Chess Federation President wants chess in Winter Olympics

Chengdu (China), April 29 (IANS)

International Chess Federation (FIDE) president Kirsan Ilyumzhinov hopes the game will be included in the Winter Olympic Games and believes it can fit in perfectly at the showpiece event.

He said it has been about 20 years since FIDE applied to enter the Summer Games in vain which made them realise that joining the Winter Games might be a better idea, reports Xinhua.

As far as he was concerned, Ilyumzhinov said it is prime time for chess competition in the afternoon when a few Winter Olympics events are held. What's more, chess enjoys a huge fan base, much more than what the International Olympic Committee requests.

As for how chess is connected to the Winter Games, Ilyumzhinov suggested players use chess pieces made of ice. Chinese women's team coach Yu Shaoteng welcomed the idea.

“I think FIDE is trying hard to promote the sport in order to benefit more players. So I support his idea,” said Yu on Wednesday on the sidelines of ongoing World Women Team Championship here.

“It is difficult for chess to be added to the Summer Games schedule. Perhaps there is a chance for us in the Winter Games,” he added.

FIDE vice president Boris Kutin, however, considered it a far-fetched proposal.

“It's not easy,” he said on Wednesday.