Address by Sheikh Sultan Bin Khalifa Bin Sultan Bin Shakhbout Al Nahyan, President, Asian Chess Federation, Continental Assembly, 19 Sept. 2024, Budapest, Hungary
Dear Esteemed Members of the Asian Chess Federation,
It is with great pleasure that I welcome you to this year’s Continental Assembly. Our shared dedication and passion for the game of chess have brought us here today, united under one mission – to promote and advance chess across Asia. Your unwavering support and active participation in our initiatives have been key to the growth of chess in this diverse and dynamic region.
We stand at a pivotal moment where our collective efforts are yielding incredible results. From fostering young talent to hosting internationally recognized tournaments, the progress we have made together is undeniable. It is your hard work and commitment that drive us forward, and for that, I offer my deepest gratitude.
As the Asian Chess Federation is well-known for its initiatives, I would like to take this opportunity to encourage all of us to be pioneers in electronic chess. Both the International Olympic Committee and the Olympic Committee of Asia are increasingly integrating esports into their events, and chess, being recognized as an esport, has a unique opportunity to shine in this space.
In light of this, I am pleased to announce that we are adopting what we will call the ‘eChess Initiative.’ This will position us at the forefront of the electronic chess movement, ensuring that Asia leads the way in innovation and progress within the world of chess.
I look forward to our discussions today, confident that they will lead to further development and success for chess in Asia. Let us continue this journey, striving for excellence and inspiring future generations to embrace the rich strategic beauty of chess.
Thank you for your presence, and I wish us all a productive and meaningful assembly.