FIDE’s Lukasz on Chess Boom, Fan Engagement and Olympics inclusion
7 hours ago
As the Chess World Cup unfolds in India, iSportConnect’s Taruka Srivastav spoke with Łukasz Turlej, Secretary General at the International Chess Federation (FIDE), to understand the global federation’s latest fan-friendly initiatives, India’s rise as a chess powerhouse, and the broader impact of the sport’s rapid growth. In this conversation, he reflects on the historic inclusion of spectators inside the playing hall, the surge of young Indian talent, and the unifying power of chess across nations.
For the first time, FIDE has allowed spectators inside the playing hall for the first 10 minutes of the match, which I experienced myself today. Why was this change introduced?
This is indeed the first time spectators have been allowed in with their phones. We felt it was important for fans—especially young players—to be able to take photos with their idols, feel the atmosphere of the playing hall, and share those moments with friends or keep them for their family albums. After the initial 10 minutes, we ask everyone to leave the room, deposit their mobiles and equipment, and return without them. It strikes a balance between fan engagement and maintaining competitive fairness.
The Chess World Cup being hosted in India feels significant. Over the last decade, India appears to have risen as a true chess powerhouse. Do you agree?
Absolutely. It’s fair to say India is a chess powerhouse now. If you look at recent results—just in the last year alone—India won two gold medals at the Olympiad in both the Open and Women’s sections. The World Champion also emerged from the same event. Most major titles today belong to Indian players. And what’s even more impressive is the upcoming generation—new names we may not even know yet—who are following in the footsteps of these champions.
It’s not just the players, but also their families, who are inspired by these examples. Kids visiting the tournament hall see what hard work and dedication can achieve. Many of them might become grandmasters one day, but even beyond chess, this event may inspire them to succeed in any field. It gives them belief in themselves.
And of course, the big dream—chess becoming part of the Olympic Games. How does FIDE view this aspiration?
We already have the Chess Olympiad, which we are extremely proud of. By number of participating countries, it is one of the largest sports events in the world. In Chennai, just three years ago, we had around 185–190 countries competing in a single group.
It is both a top-level sporting competition and a festival celebrating chess as a universal language. It brings together the world’s best grandmasters and countries where the sport is deeply loved. Inclusion in the Olympic Games is a long-term vision, but the Chess Olympiad already reflects the global spirit and scale of the sport.