President Ilham Aliyev addresses participants of the 42nd Chess Olympiad

President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev has addressed the participants of the 42^nd Chess Olympiad.

The address says: “Dear participants of the Olympiad! I cordially greet you, the players who have come to Baku from all over the world, and wish each one of you good health, success and good mood. I am confident that the inherent hospitality and the deep respect for sport in our country will create excellent opportunities for conducting the competition at the highest level.”

The head of state noted in the address that the timing of the World Chess Olympiad was quite remarkable. Azerbaijan is still living through the impressions of the Rio Olympic Games and is hosting this prestigious chess competition with a great deal of enthusiasm.

“Our country has historically played the role of a bridge between the East and the West. There has always been a great interest in chess in Azerbaijan since ancient times. The works of Azerbaijani classical authors and medieval miniatures fully reflect scenes associated with the game of chess. It is commendable that the memoirs of European travelers contain detailed information about the wide spread of the game in Azerbaijan and even women playing chess.”

The address says further that the spread of chess in Azerbaijan acquired a mass character in the 20^th century, as prestigious tournaments started to be held at various levels in the country. “The success achieved by our sportsmen in these competitions has given a major impetus to the development of chess as a sport. The launch of chess schools in all the regions of the country is a testament to the special attention being paid to chess in our country. These factors have contributed to the development of chess in Azerbaijan after the restoration of independence and defined the main directions of state policy in this sphere.

The fact that high-profile chess competitions of global and European proportions have been held not only in the capital but also in the regions of our country in recent years is an important step towards the transformation of Azerbaijan into one of the global chess centers. I have no doubt that the World Chess Olympiad will also make a valuable contribution to the promotion of this intellectual game in our country.

I do hope that the 42^nd World Chess Olympiad will write new pages in the successful history of this ancient game and enhance peace and stability between nations.”