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The much-anticipated FIDE Candidates Tournament 2024, scheduled to take place in Toronto, is facing a significant hurdle as several players and other participants are still waiting for their visas. With only 33 days left until the tournament’s commencement on April 4, the International Chess Federation (FIDE) has expressed “grave concerns” about the timely arrival of players from various countries worldwide.
For the first time in history, the prestigious tournament will be hosted in Canada, but the issuance of visas has become a pressing issue. FIDE has published a public appeal to the Canadian authorities, urging them to expedite the visa process for the participants. The federation has highlighted the delay in the issuance of visas and the lack of updates on the status of visa applications submitted by players from around the world.
Sixteen of the top chess players in the world, along with coaches, officials, and family members, have qualified for the Candidates Tournament 2024. However, more than 40 people are still waiting for their visas to attend the event. FIDE’s urgent appeal on social media aimed at the Canadian government seeks to address the visa delays, emphasizing the importance of timely visa issuance to ensure the tournament’s successful conduct.
The delay in the issuance of visas has prompted the chess community to voice its concerns. The president of the Chess Federation of Canada likened the situation to a sports team being unable to participate in a championship game due to entry restrictions. The urgency of the matter has raised apprehensions as the clock ticks down to the tournament’s start date.
The international chess federation’s appeal has drawn attention to the pressing need for action to facilitate the timely arrival of players and other essential attendees. The participation of five Indian players, including prodigies R Praggnanandhaa, Vidit Gujrathi, and Gukesh D, in the prestigious event further emphasizes the global significance of resolving the visa issue.
The FIDE Candidates Tournament, set to take place in Toronto from April 3-22, holds great importance as it will determine the challengers for the World Champion title in both the Open and Women’s Categories. The urgency in addressing the visa delays is compounded by the simultaneous running of the men’s and women’s events, where Indian players R Vaishali and Koneru Humpy will compete alongside their international counterparts.
As the countdown to the FIDE Candidates Tournament 2024 continues, the plea from FIDE to expedite the visa process for the participants remains a critical point of concern. The successful conduct of the tournament and the participation of players from around the world depend on the timely resolution of the visa issuance, underscoring the necessity for swift action by the Canadian authorities to ensure the smooth and equitable participation of all qualified players and other essential individuals in this prestigious championship.
