Alexander Lukashenko and President of World Chess Federation (FIDE), Kirsan Ilyumzhinov, agree during their meeting in Minsk to regularly hold large chess tournaments in the Belarusian capital

In particular, Minsk will be hosting the women’s Grand Prix next year and the Women’s World Chess Championship next autumn, a knockout tournament, where 64 strongest players from 50 countries will compete for the champion’s title. This tournament is expected to take place in November 2016.

“We are not ashamed of our achievements in this intellectual sport, although it’s even difficult to say whether it’s sport or art; therefore, we are doing our best in Belarus to support it at high level and not only to create the potential of this sport, but also to develop it,” notes the Belarusian Head of State.

Mr. Lukashenko stressed that the Belarusian side is always ready to help FIDE hold any events in the country. “You know that the state is always ready to lend a shoulder in this area and help our adult players reach good results in this important sport,” adds the Belarusian President.

“I think you will sincerely say what we lack, what we can do ourselves, and what we can do with your assistance in Belarus,” said Mr. Lukashenko addressing to Mr. Ilyumzhinov.

In his turn, Mr. Ilyumzhinov said that the holding of large scale chess events in Minsk will help promote the progress of Belarusian chess players. “On the one hand, this is the development and popularisation of chess among the population; on the other hand, this is the support of professional chess players and possibility to play at such large scale tournaments, get awards and titles,” he said.