The opening ceremony of the Baku Open - 2025 International Chess Festival, organized with the support of the Azerbaijan Chess Federation and the Ministry of Youth and Sports, has taken place.
The event was attended by Youth and Sports Minister Farid Gayibov, President of the International Chess Federation (FIDE) Arkady Dvorkovich, President of the Azerbaijan Chess Federation Mahir Mammadov, President of the Turkish Chess Federation Fethi Apaydin, and Secretary-General of the National Olympic Committee Azar Aliyev, Idman.biz reports.
The ceremony began with the national anthem. Following this, a promotional video for Baku Open - 2025 was shown.
In his speech, Azerbaijan Chess Federation President Mahir Mammadov emphasized the significant state attention given to chess: “Azerbaijan is recognized as a chess country worldwide. We follow and take pride in the successes of our chess players in all age categories. There is great state support for chess in Azerbaijan. On behalf of our Federation, I would like to express my gratitude to President Ilham Aliyev. As you know, tournaments announced by the Azerbaijan Chess Federation will take place throughout the year. I am very happy that chess players, especially from the regions, will have the opportunity to compete in international tournaments.”
Youth and Sports Minister Farid Gayibov spoke about the importance of the event, noting that another international competition is starting in Baku: “This year, we will have seven international competitions. We are closely monitoring the active participation. In just one event, 700 athletes are taking part. Chess has always had state support. Year by year, the number of international masters in both men’s and women’s chess is increasing. We expect more successful results from them.”
FIDE President Arkady Dvorkovich discussed the development of chess in Azerbaijan: “This is not my first visit to Baku. I am grateful for the hospitality. The number of participants in this event reflects the development of chess in Azerbaijan. As Azerbaijan and Turkey are brother countries, they also support each other in chess. I believe this cooperation will contribute to global chess.”
ACF Vice President Faig Hasanov wished the participants success: “This is my first time seeing 700 chess players participating in our country. This is a very significant moment. I am pleased to see both veterans and young chess players in one tournament.”
The official guests then made the first move in the tournament.
The festival has a total prize fund of 55,000 USD. More than 700 chess players from 16 countries will participate. During the tournament, the Azerbaijan Championship for veteran chess players will also take place.
The festival is also part of the Chess Tour Azerbaijan project.
Aytaj Sahed
Idman.biz
