Candidates Tournament 2024: FIDE tweets to Canadian government requesting them to expedite visas for players

In a remarkable move, the International Chess Federation (FIDE) with a long post on X has urged the Canadian Government to issue visas to players for the Candidates.

Five Indian chess players’ are set to compete in the tournament. R. Praggnanandhaa, Vidit Gujrathi and D. Gukesh will be participating in the Open section of the FIDE Candidates Tournament, the winner of which will take on reigning champion Ding Liren of China in the final, Vaishali Rameshbabu and Koneru Humpy will compete in the women’s Candidates Tournament.

The tournament will be played between April 3 to 22 and FIDE has said players from various countries are yet to receive their visas and have not received any updates regarding it. Noting that the “most prestigious tournaments in chess, the FIDE Candidates”, is being held in Canada for the first time, FIDE said there are grave concerns about the “timely arrival of the players to Toronto”.

“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,” FIDE said in a statement.

“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.

“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.”

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