Paris: The International Chess Federation (FIDE) has honored President of Qatar Chess Association, Mohammed Al Mudahka during the celebration of International Chess Day, which commemorates the founding of FIDE.

FIDE President, Arkady Dvorkovich presented Al Mudahka with a special shield as well as to the international master Jo Shen, the star of the Qatari national team and former world champion, who is financial secretary of the FIDE, in appreciation of their efforts in supporting and developing the game of chess in Qatar as well as at the continental and international levels.

As part of the centenary celebration, FIDE organized many events around the world throughout the year, including the torch tour that started in India and traveled to various parts of the world.

The President of the Qatar Chess Association expressed happiness with this honor, and gratitude for the great confidence he has received from the international chess family.

Al Mudahka affirmed, to QNA, his commitment to continue working to spread and develop the game of chess in Qatar, Asia and around the world, and to provide opportunities for every talented person interested in this game, and to support champions and motivate young people to be part of the large chess family.

The President of the Qatar Chess Federation, who is also the Director of International Relations at FIDE, praised the great work provided by International Master Jo Shen over the past years, noting that she has provided various solutions to advance the game at all levels, and works to develop the International Federation’s competitions and the horizontal expansion of the game in developing countries.

Al Mudahka explained that the upcoming strategy aims to continue to advance chess at the Arab and Asian levels, as well as to continue the efforts of the Qatari association to support the game locally in cooperation with the International Federation.

He said that chess is a global game that encourages integrity, inclusion and mutual respect, and contributes to creating an atmosphere of tolerance and understanding between peoples and nations.

The International Chess Federation (FIDE) was founded on July 20, 1924, during the eighth session of the Olympic Games hosted by Paris, where representatives of 15 national associations met in the French capital to establish an international chess body.

In 2019, The General Assembly of the United Nations approved the celebration of World Chess Day on July 20 of each year.