Having already moved its Olympiad to 2021, the World Chess Federation (FIDE) has now organised an Online Rapid Chess Olympiad, which will be held from July 22 to August 30, this year.
However, unlike the regular Olympiad, where federations usually send their best players after hosting national tournaments, FIDE has set conditions for entry which will serve to make this online Olympiad more inclusive.
According to FIDE, “Each team consists of six main players, including:
– at least 2 women
– at least one player under 20 (born in 2000 or later)
– at least one girl under 20 (born in 2000 or later).”
FIDE stipulates that each participating team must appoint a team captain in addition to its six players, and each captain decides on the team’s composition for the match. Teams may also have up to 6 reserve players. The matches will be played on 6 boards and there are to be 4 categories. The open category will be played on boards 1 and 2, while the women’s category will be played on boards 3 and 4. There will be an open under-20 category played on board 5 and a girls’ under-20 category played on board 6.
FIDE does not spell it out in so many words but the conditions and appointments for this tournament surely signals an acknowledgement that young players, particularly girls, need more exposure in international chess. This has to be a welcome sign for any progressive chess federation.
The Guyana Chess Federation (GCF) was informed of this virtual Online Olympiad on June 30. The GCF is participating in the event and is currently finalising the names of its 6-member team.
