FIDE to restore Elo ratings of banned Indian players
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World Chess body - FIDE - decided to restore the Elo ratings of numerous Indian chess players on Monday who were banned by the All-India Chess Federation. However, the FIDE’s announcement hasn’t clarified yet what procedure they would be following once the players are restored back.
It was the AICF who had decided to ban several players after they took part in rival chess associations’ tournaments and in unrecognised events as well. However, FIDE president Arkady Dvorkovich has now reversed that.
“Nearly a decade ago, FIDE, at the behest of the All India Chess Federation (AICF), removed the Elo ratings of dozens of players and expunged their names from the records. Today, we are delighted to welcome back all those players with immediate effect,” said Dvorkovich said in a statement posted on Twitter, reported PTI.
Nearly a decade ago, FIDE, at the behest of the All India Chess Federation, removed the Elo ratings of dozens of players and expunged their names from the records. Today we are delighted to welcome back all those players with immediate effect. @advorkovichhttps://t.co/9cgsTYPXxb pic.twitter.com/sxSWCBiTow
— International Chess Federation (@FIDE_chess) May 27, 2019
It garnered a huge response from former world number three and FIDE vice-president Nigel Short, who heaped praise o FIDE. “A hugely positive statement by #FIDE President @advorkovich. #Chess must be for the players & lovers of the game - not for the administrators,” he tweeted.
Another player who was banned by the AICF several years ago, Gurpreet Pal Singh said he was extremely happy and thankful to FIDE in an interview with PTI. “I am very happy. This is great news. We are very thankful to the FIDE president (Dvorkovich) and vice-president (Nigel Short) for the FIDE move (to restore the ratings).
“This is a big news not only for affected players but for all the Indian chess players. It has been nine years since we were banned. Hope we will be able to play tournaments as per choice from now on,” Gurpreet said.
In the FIDE statement it hasn’t, however, mentioned the procedure that they would be followed for the reinduction of the same players. The AICF officials could not be reached.
