President Aliyev: Shamkir Chess tournament becomes a tradition

President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev received President of the International Chess Federation (FIDE) Kirsan Ilyumzhinov in Baku on April 21, Azertac reported.

Ilyumzhinov, who visited the country to attend opening of the Shamkir Chess 2017, hailed the excellent organization of the tournament commemorating the late international grandmaster, Vugar Gashimov.

The FIDE President said that by hosting such a prestigious tournament Azerbaijan contributes to the expansion of international cooperation in the field of sport and development of regional tourism. He said many people around the world follow the tournament with great interest.

President Aliyev noted the significance of Shamkir Chess 2017 tournament, adding that it has already become a traditional one.

The head of state said that participation of Ilyumzhinov, as well as the world`s top chess players elevates the level of the tournament.

President Aliyev emphasized the importance of the fact that apart from Baku, such prestigious international events are also held in districts of Azerbaijan. The head of state said great work has been done to develop districts and create the necessary infrastructure in the country.

Great state attention to sport in Azerbaijan was hailed at the meeting. President Aliyev and Kirsan Ilyumzhinov discussed cooperation prospects.

The Shamkir Chess 2017, the 4th edition of the tournament in memory of Gashimov, solemnly opened on April 20.

Along with Shahriyar Mammadyarov and Teymur Rajabov from Azerbaijan, the event hosts Wesley So (USA), former world champion Vladimir Kramnik (Russia), Sergey Karjakin (Russia), Michael Adams (England), Pentala Harikrishna (India), Pavel Eljanov (Ukraine), Radoslav Voytasek (Poland) and Bulgarian world champion Veselin Topalov.

The Shamkir Chess 2017 will last until April 30.

During his visit, Ilyumzhinov also visited the Vugar Gashimov Chess Academy in Baku.

Gashimov `s father Gasim Hashimov highlighted the activity of the academy. The FIDE President hailed the conditions created at the academy. 27-year old Gashimov, who was one of the world’s top players for a decade and who helped lead Azerbaijani team to the gold medal in the European Team Chess Championship in 2009, died in January 2014.

Gashimov became an international master in 1999 and earned the top title of grandmaster in 2002.