Lausanne, Switzerland :In a significant development for the global sports community, the International Chess Federation (FIDE) has been formally admitted as a member of the International World Games Association (IWGA) during the association’s Annual General Meeting (AGM) held at the Olympic Museum in Lausanne.
A Milestone for Chess and Mind Sports
The IWGA’s AGM unanimously approved FIDE’s membership, bringing the total number of federations within the World Games movement to 40. This marks a pivotal broadening of the IWGA’s sport portfolio, traditionally dominated by physical disciplines, to include strategic and intellectual competitions led by a governing body with deep global roots.
“Chess is one of the most widely practised and recognised disciplines worldwide,” said IWGA Chief Executive Officer Joachim Gossow, welcoming FIDE into the association. “Its inclusion reflects our commitment to embracing a diverse range of sports, including mind sports, within our organisation.”
FIDE President Highlights Global Reach
FIDE President Arkady Dvorkovich highlighted the unifying power of chess across continents, saying,
“Chess is a truly global sport that unites millions of players across all continents through strategy, discipline, and creativity.” He emphasized that joining the IWGA aligns with the growing recognition of mind sports alongside traditional athletic disciplines.
Founded in 1924 in Paris, FIDE is the internationally recognised authority for chess, governing competitions and national federations across over 200 countries. It has been recognised by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) since 1999, further strengthening its international footprint.
Implications for The World Games and Beyond
The IWGA, supported by the IOC, organises The World Games every four years — a major multi-sport event showcasing disciplines not contested in the Olympic programme. FIDE’s inclusion may influence future editions, potentially opening pathways for chess to be featured more prominently in global multi-sport platforms.
With membership now at 40 federations, the IWGA’s movement continues to diversify and expand, signaling a broader acceptance of sports that challenge both the body and mind.
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