FIDE President Arkady Dvorkovich has temporarily stepped aside after being included in the EU's 21st sanctions list related to Russia's 2022 Ukraine invasion. Deputy President Viswanathan Anand will serve as interim president, while Dvorkovich plans to legally challenge the sanctions.
17-year-old Anshul Bhatt, India's bridge prodigy, is selected for the senior Under-31 World Youth Bridge Championship. Compared to chess's past, he aims to popularize bridge in India through teaching and his own success, drawing parallels to Viswanathan Anand's impact on chess.
The Global Chess League's Season 4 draft saw Indian GM Nihal Sarin drafted by American Gambits amidst a bidding war, while defending champs Alpine APL Pipers retained Magnus Carlsen and added Divya Deshmukh and Koneru Humpy. Chess legend Viswanathan Anand made a historic team switch to PBG Alaskan Knights.
The Global Chess League's Season 4 Player Draft is set for June 29 in Mumbai, featuring 36 Grandmasters. Magnus Carlsen returns, and Divya Deshmukh makes her debut. The main tournament runs September 3-13 in Bengaluru.
Viswanathan Anand praises R Praggnanandhaa's recent win at Norway Chess 2026, suggesting D Gukesh learn from his perseverance to regain momentum before defending his world title.
