DOHA: The International Chess Federation (FIDE) has appointed Mohammed Al Mudahka, President of the Qatar Chess Association (QCA), to oversee the upcoming World Chess Olympiad, scheduled to take place in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, in September.
The appointment comes in recognition of Al Mudahka’s outstanding contributions to the development of chess at the international level, as well as the remarkable success of the World Chess Championship hosted by Qatar last December, which earned widespread acclaim from FIDE and participating federations.
The 46th World Chess Olympiad will be held from September 10 to 24, bringing together the world’s top national teams in one of the sport’s most prestigious events.
Al Mudahka expressed his pride and appreciation for the confidence placed in him by the international chess community, describing the assignment as an honor and a major responsibility. He noted that overseeing such a high-profile global event reflects the growing trust in Qatari expertise within international sports governance.
In his capacity as Director of International Relations at FIDE, Al Mudahka praised the federation’s ongoing efforts, under the leadership of FIDE President Arkady Dvorkovich, to elevate the game worldwide, enhance its competitions, and expand its reach, particularly in developing countries.
He added that FIDE’s future strategy places a strong emphasis on advancing chess across Asia, highlighting Uzbekistan’s hosting of the Olympiad as part of its broader commitment to supporting and growing the global chess movement.
Al Mudahka also confirmed Qatar’s participation in the upcoming Olympiad, stressing the importance of competing in major international tournaments to raise the standard of Qatari players and provide them with valuable international experience.
