213 teams including from Ukraine registered for Chess Olympiad

Chennai: A total of 213 teams from over 100 countries including Ukraine, have registered to compete in the 44th Chess Olympiad to be held at Mahabalipuram, the media reported.

Owing to the military action against Ukraine, the International Chess Federation (FIDE) has banned Russia and Belarus from competing in the event. Based on the rating averages of their top five players, USA tops the table with 2,766 and is followed by China (2,739), Azerbaijan (2,700), India Team 1 (2,683) and Ukraine (2,681).

India will field four teams, two in the open and two in the women’s section, and the names of the players have been announced.

This apart, India has started the process of selecting one more team in case a situation arises of fielding an additional team based on an odd number of entries.

Alongside the event, the International Chess Federation will hold its Congress between July 31 and August 9. The Meeting of the General Assembly will take place on August 7-8, when the elections will be completed.

According to FIDE, the elections will take place for President and Deputy President (on a joint ticket), Vice President, Zonal President, a member of the Ethics and Disciplinary Commission and a member of Constitutional Commission.

Image courtesy of (File photo)

Share this post