The President of the World Chess Federation (FIDE), Arkady Dvorkovich, arrived in Sri Lanka on Friday, 15 May ’26, on a 2-day official visit. He was there to attend the opening ceremony of the Commonwealth Chess Championship as the event’s chief guest.
The championship is scheduled to be conducted spanning the 9 days from Sunday, 17 May to Tuesday, 26 May ’26, at the south-western coastline of Citrus Resort, Waskaduwa. Around 550 players representing 14 Commonwealth countries were expected to participate.
The Chess Federation of Sri Lanka (CFSL) is hosting the 9-day event on behalf of the Commonwealth Chess Association (CCA) & FIDE. A vast array of categories makes up the tournament. Besides the open section, there are age group events for both women & youth players, ranging from under 8 to under 18 in the game’s classical format. Besides this, it was intended to also include both rapid & blitz events during the initial 3 days.
Speaking at the launch of the event, President of CFSL, Lakshman Wijesuriya, said it was a wonderful honour for Sri Lanka to host the event for the 3rd time during the last decade. He added that,obviously, it’s a top-level event. So, hosting such an event positions Sri Lanka as an excellent location for important chess events,’ he added.
The selection of Sri Lanka as the event’s venue demonstrates the high level of confidence that FIDE and the CCA have in CRFSL. Wijesuriya went on to add that hosting the event obviously makes for greater participation among the talented Sri Lankans. It enables them to cross swords with the globally best-skilled players in their respective categories.
FIDE President Arkady Dvorkovich said that the CCA has been a valuable part of the international chess family for over 4 decades since 1980. This forum brings together nations across the globe that tend to move with varied chess traditions, besides levels of development. The hosts, Sri Lanka, have a proud & growing chess community where we have witnessed a strong commitment to the development of chess.
Dvorkovich asserted that the event is a ‘remarkable moment’ for chess in Asia. The event features world-class players, major competitions, and strong federations that are nurturing new talent.
Dvorkovich opined that this event strongly connects with FIDE’s wider work in promoting chess. He added that they intend to work closely with the national federations. Also, with public institutions, besides private partners, bringing enhanced opportunities to players across Asia & across the globe.
Sri Lanka’s Minister of Youth Affairs & Sports, Sunil Kumar Gamage, in his keynote address, welcomed all players to Sri Lanka. He described the tournament as a ‘remarkable celebration of intellect and discipline, as well as sportsmanship’.
Gamage added that they wish to welcome the FIDE President, Arkady Dvorkovich, adding that his leadership is strongly resonating across the globe. He also took the opportunity to respectfully acknowledge the presence of Bharat Singh Chauhan. He added that Chauhan was a towering figure in the global chess community. Gamage added that Chauhan’s 50-year dedication to the game has inspired players across the globe. Besides Bharat Singh, Luxman Wijesuriya also marks 50 years of chess life.
Bharat Singh Chauhan is a prominent Indian chess administrator. In addition to being an international arbiter, he is also an organiser who has helped shape Indian chess administration and its influence beyond. He was instrumental in building the Asian chess infrastructure through tournament organization and international federation tasks, as well as the execution of plans for expanding chess through schools, youth events, and stronger national systems.
Chauhan served as Secretary of the All India Chess Federation (AICF). He also became one of the key figures behind India’s growing role in international chess. He was the tournament director of the 44th Chess Olympiad in Chennai 4 years ago in ’22. Bharat Singh Chauhan is the incumbent chairman of the FIDE Advisory Board. He also holds the title of Deputy President of the Asian Chess Federation (ACF), in addition to being the Chairman of the CCA.
