Turkish Chess Federation eyes Olympic success
GÜLKIZ Tulay, President of the Turkish Chess Federation (TSF), expressed determination to maintain the success of chess at the Olympics.
In an interview with Anadolu Agency (AA), Tulay stated that they had begun preparations for the 45th World Chess Olympiad, to be held in Budapest, Hungary, from Sept. 10 to 23, with a camp for male athletes in Antalya.
Tulay highlighted the significant support from the Ministry of Youth and Sports and the main sponsor of the sport, Türkiye İş Bankası.
She emphasized that the national men’s and women’s teams would continue their intensive training through online and face-to-face camps with world-renowned chess coaches leading up to the Olympics. Tulay mentioned that the Antalya camp included Grandmasters (GM) Mustafa Yılmaz, Vahap Şanal, Emre Can, Mert Yılmazyerli, Cem Kaan Gökerkan, and International Masters (IM) Ediz Gürel and Yağız Kaan Erdoğmuş, with the camp being coached by world-famous chess player GM Ivan Cheparinov. She also noted that the camp for the women’s national chess team is planned for March. Emphasizing the aim to “crown” the achievements in Europe and worldwide with an Olympic ranking, Tulay said, “We have prepared a comprehensive program for the Olympics.” Tulay noted that the success of chess players has elevated them to top positions worldwide, indicating that the efforts being made are correct. She also emphasized that they will continue to organize online and face-to-face training camps for the players with famous coaches as part of their prepared program and will support their participation in important international tournaments.