2014 Chess Olympiad (Tromso, Norway)

Dear Chess World,

The 2014 Chess Olympiad has begun. Teams from 174 countries totaling 1800 players have assembled for today’s Opening Ceremonies. There are already reports of teams being escorted to the respective hotels for what will be two weeks of chess festivities and action.

Hou Yifan beat Kateryna Lagno in Istanbul, but Lagno is now playing for Russia. Will Lagno help her new federation to a successful defense? Hou will be determined when they meet again. Photo by chessolympiadistanbul.com.

Armenia (open) and Russia (women) will defend their titles in what may be one the largest Olympiads in recent history. The stars will shine at the Olympiad and the top players will defend their national honor for a chance at glory. One special quality about the Olympiad is the social gathering of so many personalities mingling regardless of status.

National fashion will be on display at the Olympiad.
Photo by David Llada.There will be the donning of national colors and garments with displays of pride only seen at Olympiad tournaments. It is also an event where the world’s brightest chess stars mingle with the amateurs. These players may be amateur players, but legends in their own country. Many human interest stories will unfold at this tournament.

Apart from the competition, there will be the General Assembly and the business of FIDE, the world’s governing body. There is also the FIDE election for President. This will prove to be fiercely competitive. The Chess Drum will be on hand to cover the event live in the second week and will file daily reports and conduct a number of interviews. Follow the action from the main site!

Let the games begin!

~ Dr. Daaim Shabazz, The Chess Drum
Follow @thechessdrum