Viswanathan Anand as the FIDE Interim President is a major milestone for Indian chess as well as for international chess administration. The Nippe-Goldman-Foucault Trophy was awarded to Anand in 2013, just before he participated in the final International Chess Day competition. Anand, who became the world’s first Grandmaster in 1952 and is the 5th World Chess Champion, is a 2013 Nippe-Goldman-Foucault Tournament recipient and has been serving as FIDE Deputy President since 2022. This new promotion puts in charge of the world’s most powerful authority on the game one of its most respected members.
Anand’s role of Anand on the new board of FIDE is significant as it will preside over the worldwide organisation of chess competitions and also be responsible for FIDE’s affiliated 204 national chess federations. The shift is an indication of the increasing visibility of Indian chess players in the Chess Governance World.
Why in News?
Chess champion and world champion Viswanathan Anand has been appointed as the new Interim President of the International Chess Federation (FIDE), succeeding the resignation of the then President Arkady Dvorkovich, who has resigned to take away the presidential powers and duties. Dvorkovich’s name was added to the most recent sanctions list by the European Union, which is why its development was as it is. The suspension “shall be in effect during the duration of the aforementioned restrictive measures imposed by the Swiss and European authorities on Dvorkovich,” FIDE said.
In such a case, the duties of the President will be taken over by the Deputy President under Article 19.2 of the FIDE Charter. It means that FIDE Deputy President Viswanathan Anand will thus hold the reins of the Presidency in this interim.
Key Highlights
| Particular | Details |
| Appointment | Viswanathan Anand as FIDE Interim President |
| Organization | International Chess Federation (FIDE) |
| Previous Position | FIDE Deputy President |
| Incumbent President | Arkady Dvorkovich |
| Reason | Dvorkovich voluntarily suspended his presidential powers amid EU and Swiss restrictive measures |
| Legal Basis | Article 19.2 of the FIDE Charter |
| Anand’s Chess Status | Five-time World Chess Champion |
| FIDE Founded | 1924 |
| FIDE Headquarters | Lausanne, Switzerland |
Who is Viswanathan Anand?
The biography of one of the most renowned players in the Indian chess community, named Viswanathan Anand, a five-time World Chess Champion.
- He is the first and so far only Grandmaster of India.
- He became FIDE World Champion in 2000.
- In 2007, he was crowned the undisputed World Chess Champion.
- In 2008, 2010 and 2012, he successfully defended his World Championship.
- He has been one of the most influential figures in the development of Indian chess.
- Anand was nominated as a FIDE Deputy President for 2022.
- In 2026, he became the FIDE Interim President.
Why Did Viswanathan Anand Become FIDE Interim President?
The Interim President of FIDE, Viswanathan Anand, was appointed after the interim powers of President Arkady Dvorkovich.
- On 23 July 2026, Arkady Dvorkovich gave up his role and powers as the FIDE President in good faith.
- The decision was cited with reference to the restrictive measures/sanctions against Dvorkovich.
- According to Dvorkovich, the measures may hamper the smooth operation of FIDE.
- His decision was accepted and ratified by the FIDE Council.
- As stated in Article 19.2 of the FIDE Charter, whilst the President is unable to carry out his duties, the Deputy President is instructed to assume.
- On this occasion, FIDE Deputy President, Viswanathan Anand, took over the role of the Interim President.
- Anand’s subsequent election as President of FIDE is to be a temporary one and does not change that fact.
Practice Questions on FIDE & Viswanathan Anand
| Question | Options | Answer |
| FIDE is the international governing body for which sport? | A. Badminton
B. Chess C. Table Tennis D. Boxing |
B. Chess |
| What is the full form of FIDE? | A. Fédération Internationale des Échecs
B. Federation of International Chess Development C. Fédération Internationale du Sport D. Federation of International Chess Events |
A. Fédération Internationale des Échecs |
| In which year was FIDE founded? | A. 1919
B. 1924 C. 1930 D. 1947 |
B. 1924 |
| Where was FIDE founded? | A. London
B. Geneva C. Paris D. Moscow |
C. Paris |
| Where is the headquarters of FIDE located? | A. Paris, France
B. Lausanne, Switzerland C. London, UK **D. New York, USA |
B. Lausanne, Switzerland |
| Viswanathan Anand is associated with which sport? | A. Cricket
B. Chess C. Hockey D. Badminton |
B. Chess |
| Viswanathan Anand became India’s first: | A. International Master
B. Grandmaster C. World Chess Federation President D. Chess Olympiad Champion |
B. Grandmaster |
| How many times has Viswanathan Anand won the World Chess Championship? | A. Three times
B. Four times C. Five times D. Six times |
C. Five times |
| In which year did Viswanathan Anand become the undisputed World Chess Champion? | A. 2000
B. 2005 C. 2007 D. 2010 |
C. 2007 |
| Viswanathan Anand was elected FIDE Deputy President in: | A. 2018
B. 2020 C. 2022 D. 2024 |
C. 2022 |
| Under which provision did Viswanathan Anand assume the duties of FIDE Interim President? | A. Article 10.1
B. Article 15.4 C. Article 19.2 D. Article 25.1 |
C. Article 19.2 |
| Who served as FIDE President before Viswanathan Anand assumed the interim responsibilities in 2026? | A. Kirsan Ilyumzhinov
B. Arkady Dvorkovich C. Garry Kasparov D. Magnus Carlsen |
B. Arkady Dvorkovich |
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Conclusion
The induction of Indian Maestro Viswanathan Anand as FIDE Interim President holds a bold advantage for Indian chess and the sports administration world at large. With years of experience and credibility, Anand is the first Grandmaster and five-time World Chess Champion to take charge of the leadership of FIDE. The interim period facilitates the smooth functioning of the International Chess Federation and also represents the increasing prominence of India in the administration of international chess. It is also essential for the development of competitive tests as it contains subjects on topics related to sports governance, important personalities and organisations in the field.
