Viswanathan Anand has added another remarkable achievement to his legendary career by becoming the first Indian to serve as the interim president of the International Chess Federation (FIDE). The five-time world chess champion assumed the role after FIDE President Arkady Dvorkovich temporarily stepped aside following sanctions imposed on him by the European Union.
The appointment marks a historic moment for Indian chess, placing one of the country’s greatest sporting icons at the helm of the sport’s global governing body. While Anand’s role is temporary, it reflects the immense trust and respect he enjoys within the international chess community.
Anand took over as interim president in line with FIDE’s charter, which states that the Deputy President assumes the president’s responsibilities whenever the incumbent is unable to perform official duties. Anand has served as FIDE Deputy President since 2022 after being elected during the federation’s General Assembly in Chennai.
The leadership change follows Dvorkovich’s decision to suspend his activities after being included in the European Union’s latest sanctions package linked to Russia. Dvorkovich, a former Russian deputy prime minister who has led FIDE since 2018, said he strongly disagreed with the sanctions and intended to challenge them legally. However, he chose to step aside to ensure the federation’s work continues without disruption.
In a statement, FIDE confirmed that Anand would discharge the duties of president until Dvorkovich resumes office or the situation changes. The move is intended to provide administrative continuity at a time when the federation is preparing for several important events, including its General Assembly and presidential election later this year.
For India, Anand’s elevation is another milestone in a journey that has transformed the country’s place in world chess. Often regarded as the pioneer of modern Indian chess, Anand became India’s first Grandmaster in 1988 and went on to dominate the global stage for decades. He won the World Chess Championship five times and earned widespread admiration for his consistency, sportsmanship and innovative style of play.
Beyond his personal achievements, Anand’s success inspired an entire generation of Indian players to pursue chess professionally. The country’s emergence as a global chess powerhouse, producing elite Grandmasters and world-class young talents, is widely credited to the foundation laid by Anand.
Today, India boasts some of the world’s brightest chess stars, including reigning World Champion D. Gukesh, R. Praggnanandhaa, Arjun Erigaisi and several other young Grandmasters who continue to make headlines on the international circuit. Their rise has cemented India’s reputation as one of the strongest chess nations in the world.
The All India Chess Federation (AICF) welcomed Anand’s appointment, describing it as a proud moment for the nation. Officials said the appointment was not only recognition of Anand’s extraordinary achievements over the board but also of his growing contribution to global chess administration.
Since taking over as FIDE Deputy President in 2022, Anand has been actively involved in promoting chess development across the world. He has supported initiatives to strengthen grassroots programmes, encourage youth participation and expand the game’s reach to new regions. His administrative experience, combined with his stature as one of the sport’s greatest ambassadors, made him the natural choice to assume interim leadership.
The timing of the transition is particularly significant. FIDE is preparing for key governance meetings and major international tournaments in the coming months. Anand is expected to oversee the federation’s routine functioning while ensuring that its programmes and competitions continue smoothly during the leadership transition.
Although his appointment is interim in nature, it carries enormous symbolic importance. For the first time, an Indian is leading the world’s top chess body, highlighting India’s growing influence not only in competitive chess but also in shaping the sport’s future at the global level.
For millions of Indian chess fans, Anand’s latest achievement is another reason to celebrate a career filled with historic firsts. From becoming India’s first Grandmaster to winning multiple world titles and inspiring a generation of champions, he has consistently raised the country’s profile in international chess.
As interim FIDE President, Viswanathan Anand begins a new chapter in the global arena. His appointment reflects both his unmatched legacy and the confidence the international chess community places in his leadership. Even if temporary, it is a landmark moment that further strengthens India’s standing in world chess and reinforces Anand’s enduring contribution to the game.
