Arkady Dvorkovich, President of FIDE: I know little about chess in Ecuador, but we want there to be more international tournaments here | Other Sports | sports

Arkady Dvorkovich, president of the International Chess Federation (FIDE) since 2018, was passing through Ecuador. He did it to support the Chess in your Neighborhood project, promoted by GMI Martha Fierro. In dialogue with Diario EL UNIVERSO, Dvorkovich spoke about the sport with which he identified himself due to the influence of his father, who was a chess referee; In addition, what it represented for him to be president of the Organizing Committee of the 2018 Russia Soccer World Cup.

The main director of FIDE, before arriving at that organization, was an official of the Russian government (2008-2012); Later, he was appointed deputy prime minister of the Russian Federation, now presided over by Vladimir Putin, a position he held from 2012 to 2018, when he moved to the Organizing Committee of the FIFA World Cup.

What did you learn as president of the Organizing Committee of the 2018 World Cup?

I got the unique experience of organizing a large-scale, world-wide contest. It also allowed me to meet people who know how to make a tournament of that nature. Before I worked with the Government and was not linked to international sport. With this type of work and after having been the chairman of that committee, I gained an experience that is very important to me.

What do you know about Ecuadorian chess?

I am examining the situation, I know little about the history of chess in Ecuador; that’s why I’m here, gathering information to get a more accurate assessment of the situation. What is clear is that now more projects are being generated for children, for youth, with the participation of Martha Fierro (vice president of FIDE).

Emilio Bastidas, president of the Ecuadorian Chess Federation decided to represent the country in an Ibero-American and is questioned by leaders and chess players. Will FIDE take any action?

Due to its statutes, FIDE does not have the power to intervene in the national processes of the federations; if colleagues (managers or athletes) think it is relevant, they can send their claim to FIDE, but so far that has not happened.

Can international chess tournaments be held in Ecuador?

We want there to be more international chess championships in the region, specifically in Ecuador. But with a mutual accompaniment of FIDE and local companies, which could offer some financial resources. That is what we are going to work on and look for.

Do you think that chess could have another media impact like in the definition of the title in 1972 between the Russian Borís Spasski and the American Bobby Fischer?

It’s a well-known game, a match that took place in Reykjavik, Iceland. I was born precisely in that year (1972), but three years ago I was there, where Fischer is buried, and many people who were there told me how that tournament was. My father also told me a lot about that dispute; he believes that Spassky had a lot of respect for Fischer and that somehow did not let him win.

Will they pay any tribute to remember this fact that has not been repeated? The dispute over that title was followed all over the planet as the end of a FIFA World Cup and the Cold War.

To remember this historical fact, we are going to have a game in Reykjavík under the Fischer chess system, which is different from traditional chess, since the figures are placed randomly (the position of the pieces in the first row is drawn a few times). minutes before each game, then creativity and talent are more important than memory and analysis).

For you, who is the world champion of all time?

(Smile). It is difficult to choose one, because each time has its heroes, its champions. If I could choose some I would lean towards (José Raúl) Capablanca (Cuba), Vasily Smyslov (Russia), Mikhail Botvinnik (Russia). This century is clearly dominated by Magnus Carlsen (Norway).

Precisely Capablanca was the last champion for Latin America. Why do you think another player like him has not come out?

Unfortunately, one of the problems is that most of the tournaments are held in Europe and one of the issues that could have an effect is the leadership instability that sometimes exists in the region. Players who are born in this region are less likely to find strong tournaments here to increase their ability. That is why as FIDE we want to have more contests here in Latin America. That yes, I emphasize that right now one of the best in the world is the Cuban Leinier Domínguez, who lives in the United States.

What is needed to play chess?

Usually; The initiation of chess players begins at a very young age with their parents, because they are the ones who teach them or guide them to the sport. The role of parents is very important, because they know that chess is good for the child’s mental development and we are going to help this sport enter all schools, because it is positive for children.

Is it difficult to practice chess?

Not at this time. Access to chess is more feasible than before, because it can be accessed through a computer, a computer, and anyone can get started in this beautiful world of chess.

Soccer or chess?

Football in the morning and chess in the afternoon. (D)