Chess legend Viswanathan Anand has turned around and re-entered the FIDE election race

Viswanathan Anand (PTI Photo/Sailendra Bhojak) Viswanathan Anand reversed his earlier decision and will now contest the FIDE elections as vice-president alongside Timur Turlov, who is running for the organization’s top post. Anand had previously said he wanted to step down from the role to spend more time with his family, but changes in the electoral race forced him to continue. Earlier, Anand explained why he was considering stepping down, saying: “I just wanted more time at home. My son will probably go to university in three years, I thought those were the years I should be here. That was a big motivation to get another role. But I’m still very much part of the team.”The change came after the current FIDE president, Arkady Dvorkovic, was forced out of the election race due to European Union sanctions, making it difficult for him to remain in office.

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As a result, Timur Turlov switched from running for vice president to running for the presidency, with Anand joining him as his running mate. Anand is currently serving as interim FIDE President pending elections during the Samarkand Chess Olympiad.

Anand supports Turlov’s vision

Explaining his decision about X, Anand wrote: “During the past four years, I have been honored to work at FIDE and contribute to the development of chess. I have worked with colleagues from grass roots programs to elite competitions. Together, we have made significant progress in expanding opportunities for players, federations and organizers, while making chess more accessible.” “I am proud of what we have achieved as a team, but I also believe that we can achieve much more. That is why I have accepted Timur Turlov’s invitation to continue to serve as the Deputy President of FIDE as part of his team.”He also praised Turlov’s leadership, saying he believed the businessman had the vision and experience to make FIDE more digital, financially strong and inclusive, while continuing to grow the game globally.