Chess Olympiad postponed until summer of 2021

The COVID-19 pandemic wreaking havoc all over the world has forced the cancellation of all sporting disciplines, and there is general uncertainty as to when things would return to normalcy.

Anthony Drayton

One event affected by the situation is the Chess Olympiad, which was scheduled for staging in the Russian cities of Moscow and Khanty-Mansiysk during the summer of 2020, but has now been pushed to the summer of 2021.
The FIDE Council, in a release, said: “The mission of Chess Olympiads is not only to determine the sportive results, but also to popularize our game and unite chess lovers around the world in this truly global sports festival.
“At the same time, FIDE is deeply concerned about the growing COVID-19 pandemic and its impact on people’s lives. Taking into account the reports from the World Health Organisation (WHO) indicating the constant increase in the number of cases worldwide, and given today’s IOC statement regarding the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games, FIDE has decided to postpone the 44th Chess Olympiad (including the competition for players with disabilities) and the FIDE Congress.
“These events, to be held in Moscow and Khanty-Mansiysk during the summer of 2020, are rescheduled to the summer of 2021 at the same locations. FIDE will continue to work hard in order to support various chess activities, at the same time caring first and foremost about the health and well-being of the entire chess community.”
In a discussion with this publication, National Chess Coach Anthony Drayton was asked about the ongoing situation, and he said: “It really give us more time to prepare for the games, as in getting players trained and raising sponsorships for the players to travel. Currently, I’m offering online classes to my students so that they can keep active.
“In terms of selection of the team to represent Guyana, the process went well according to plan. (There were) no big issues, (and) as soon as the nationals are completed, the team will be selected on the terms that we implied for the selection of the team.”