India, March 17 -- It is widely recognized among enthusiasts that FIDE is actively pursuing the inclusion of chess in the Olympic Games and has engaged in discussions with the IOC over the years. FIDE gained recognition from the IOC in 1999, which is relatively recent. In a video interview released on Monday by TV9 Telugu, Indian chess legend Viswanathan Anand provided significant insights regarding the potential introduction of chess into the Olympics.

Anand, a five-time World Chess Champion and currently an active competitor in the FIDE rankings, also serves as the organization's Deputy President. He stated, "It would certainly be a remarkable achievement for chess to be part of the Olympics due to the prestige associated with the event. We are making progress. The World Chess Federation is collaborating closely with the IOC."

When discussing the reasons for chess's absence from the Olympics, Anand remarked, "There are numerous sports, each with its own considerations for inclusion. Many sports apply, but there are specific criteria that must be met."

Anand attributed some of the delays to the Professional Chess Association, which was co-founded by Garry Kasparov and is no longer in existence. This organization was a competitor to FIDE during its operational years. "For a period, the division within chess, with two federations, caused us to lose valuable time. We had a promising opportunity two decades ago. However, the IOC also needs to evaluate how expansive the games can become," he explained.

"There are various criteria to consider, but we are working closely with them. Hopefully, we may soon find ourselves included in the esports Olympics or even the main Olympics. The fact that we are participating in the Asian Games and other global events leading up to the Olympics could serve as a stepping stone for our inclusion," he concluded.

In recent years, India has experienced a significant surge in chess popularity, with D Gukesh currently holding the title of World Champion. In addition to Gukesh, India boasts Arjun Erigaisi and R Praggnanandhaa among the top ten players in the world.

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