With the highly anticipated Candidates Tournament just around the corner, several players, including those from India and Russia, are anxiously awaiting their visas from Canada, the host country.
FIDE, the global governing body for chess, has taken to social media, issuing an urgent plea to the Canadian government to expedite the visa process.
"The most prestigious tournament in the chess world, the FIDE Candidates, which will determine the challengers for the World Champion title in both the Open and Women’s Categories, is set to take place from April 3 – 22 in Toronto, Canada. This is the first time in the history of chess that the most prestigious tournament is due to be hosted in Canada, recognizing the country’s growing role in the chess world," FIDE wrote on X.
"Regrettably, players from various countries worldwide, who submitted their visa applications few months ago, have not yet received any updates on their status. With only a month remaining till the FIDE Candidates Tournament, there are grave concerns about the timely arrival of the players to Toronto.
Recognizing the popularity of the game in the country, and its growing role in the chess world, we kindly ask the Canadian Government for support in urgently addressing this matter. Ensuring the safe and timely arrival of players is crucial for the success and integrity of the FIDE Candidates Tournament and for promoting Canada as a host of the most important chess tournament of the year, which will be followed by millions of spectators worldwide," it concluded.
Urgent visa appeal to the Canadian Government regarding the FIDE Candidates Tournament
— International Chess Federation (@FIDE_chess) March 1, 2024
The most prestigious tournament in the chess world, the FIDE Candidates, which will determine the challengers for the World Champion title in both the Open and Women’s Categories, is set to… pic.twitter.com/uZSDuomkNX
The Candidates Tournament, scheduled from April 3-22 in Toronto, marks the first time the Open and Women's categories will be held simultaneously. With players vying for the chance to challenge world champions Ding Liren and Ju Wenjun, the stakes are high.
How many Indians are participating in the Candidates Tournament?
R Praggnanandhaa, Vidit Gujrathi, Gukesh D, Koneru Humpy and R Vaishali are the five Indian participants.
Despite providing their biometrics months ago, there has been no progress in visa issuance, adding to the stress and uncertainty surrounding the tournament.
“The situation is that most of the players — among them, four Indians — who submitted the visa application, haven’t got it. FIDE, along with Canadian Chess Federation and LOC is undertaking every effort. We are being helped by the local lawyer, we sent official letters explaining the urgency. It is down to Canadian authorities — we have reached several ministers and MPs, and we really hope by the end of next week, players either get a visa or at least we get an official confirmation that it will be issued on time,” Emil Sutovsky, CEO of FIDE, told The Indian Express.
Apart from the five Indians, three Russian grandmasters - Ian Nepomniachtchi, Kateryna Lagno and Aleksandra Goryachkina are also yet to receive Visas. It has been revealed that only two of the 40 people have been issues Visas to date.
Will FIDE relocate the Candidates Tournament?
In light of the visa delays, FIDE's Deputy President, Emil Sutovsky, revealed that a contingency plan is in place. If the visa situation does not improve soon, FIDE may consider relocating the tournament to another country.
“There is a plan B: relocating the event, but we are focused on turning every stone,” he said.
However, such a decision would disrupt players' preparations and incur additional logistical and financial burdens.
As FIDE explores alternative options, including potential venue changes, players and organizers remain hopeful for a swift resolution to ensure the smooth conduct of this prestigious chess event.