Levon Aronian opens up on Goa, FIDE World Cup 2025, Total Chess C’ship and more | Exclusive
The event was carried out by Extinction Rebellion Nederland, which blocked access to the venue and unfurled a banner reading “No chess on a dead planet”. The group said the protest was to draw attention to Tata Steel’s continued reliance on fossil fuels and alleged failure to meet climate-neutral targets. In a statement posted on social media, activists claimed that Tata Steel is the largest producer of lead in the Netherlands, linking the company’s operations to health risks for children in Wijk aan Zee, including long-term exposure to toxic emissions.Watch:The group further claimed that Tata Steel emits 11.3 megatons of carbon dioxide annually, about eight percent of the Netherlands’ total emissions, and claimed that actual emissions exceeded official figures. They argued that the social cost of pollution runs into billions of euros every year and points to the reduced life expectancy of the local population. Activists have called the chess tournament an example of sports fabrication, saying such sponsorships cover up environmental damage while the company’s management continues to profit. After the suspension, tournament organizers issued a statement recognizing the right to protest and freedom of expression. However, they emphasized that the Tata Steel Chess Tournament is an international sporting and cultural event that brings together players, visitors and chess fans from around the world. They noted that the tournament has been held annually for 88 years and is the main winter training for the village, involving amateur players, up-and-coming talents and elite grandmasters.The organizers also called on all parties to respect the event and ensure it is safe and without further disruption. They confirmed working closely with local authorities to protect players, spectators, staff and volunteers.