The ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas has reverberated in the world of Indian chess, as the All India Chess Federation (AICF) has officially announced its decision to withdraw from the World Cadet Chess Championship scheduled to take place in Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt, from October 14 to 23.
A statement from the AICF explained the reasoning behind this decision: “Considering the ongoing situation at the Gaza Strip between Israel & Hamas and the age of participants, after due deliberations, it was decided that our delegation will not participate in the World Cadet Chess Championship-2023.”
The AICF emphasized that the primary concern was the safety and security of their young players. The Gaza Strip is a mere 397 kilometers away from Sharm El Sheikh, and the conflict’s unpredictability could significantly disrupt commercial airlines’ operations in the Middle East with minimal notice.
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The AICF clarified, “We took this decision based on Force Majeure & unforeseen scenarios, and all stakeholders are requested to note the same.”
In response to these concerns, the President of the Egyptian Chess Federation (ECF), Dr. Hesham Elgendy, sought to reassure all participants: “I’d like to assure you that the Egyptian Government ensures the security of all players & participants of WCCC 2023 at Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt.”
Elgendy further highlighted that the World Cadets Chess Championships 2023 is organized under the patronage of the Egyptian Minister of Youth & Sports and is set to occur in Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt, from October 14 to 27, 2023.
