Last weekend, Israel Gelfer, vice president of the World Chess Federation (FIDE) paid a working visit to the province. On the occasion, Binh Duong Newspaper’s reporters had an interview with FIDE vice president.

Could you tell that why you choose Binh Duong as your working visit in Vietnam?

In reality, my working visit was from president FIDE cum Kalmykia Republic President Mr.Kirsan IIymzhinov’s visit to Vietnam and Binh Duong in Nov. 2010. Besides, President Nguyen Minh Triet and Kalmykia Republic President have a good tie and President Nguyen Minh Triet said that Binh Duong is a potential locality on chess and in need of support from FIDE.

 

Mr.Gelfer (right) joins in a chess exchange competition at Duc Tri primary and secondary school.

What is your impression on the working visit in the province?

I have a good impression on the locality. Especially, I was surprised at friendship of Nguyen Du primary school’s pupils and teachers. I was especially impressed on visiting to Duc Tri primary and secondary school in Thuan An town. At the school’s chess room, I witnessed pupils’ rapid progress on chess.

Could you tell more FIDE’s support for the province?

FIDE will directly support the locality to popularize chess at primary schools. FIDE will pay expenses for training course on chess for teachers. In April ahead, over 30 learners of over 10 selected local primary schools will join in the training course in Aug.

Will FIDE help local chess talents?

I knew of local young chess talents. FIDE suggested Binh Duong to choose 15-18 excellent talents for deeper training. Besides, FIDE will sponsor training expense for 5-6 local chess talents at tournaments in the EU and world.

What do you assess in the working visit?

Very good, I realize Binh Duong’s potentials and conditions for developing chess. From this visit, we will help Binh Duong build Chess Institute to train chess talents for Vietnam and the Southeast Asia region.

Thanks a lot!

Reported by C.Thanh – Translated by A.C