FIDE Expresses Support for Nepal’s Chess Community Following Devastating Floods

The chess world has expressed solidarity with Nepal following a severe natural disaster. The International Chess Federation (FIDE) has sent a message of support to the country’s chess community in response to the devastating floods that struck Nepal on August 26, 2026.

In its official statement, FIDE expressed its deepest condolences to everyone affected and emphasized that the international chess community stands with the Nepal Chess Federation during this difficult time.

Floods Become a Major Challenge for Nepal

The natural disaster that struck on August 26 had serious consequences for the country. The floods affected communities across Nepal, resulting in loss of life, damaged homes, and significant disruption to people’s daily lives.

As rescue and recovery efforts continue, FIDE has expressed its solidarity with the people of Nepal.

The organization emphasized that its thoughts are with those who have lost loved ones, homes, or livelihoods, as well as with all communities affected by the disaster.

FIDE Sends Message to the Nepal Chess Federation

The message was addressed to the president and members of the Nepal Chess Federation. FIDE Acting President Viswanathan Anand conveyed the organization’s support.

In his message, Anand expressed his deepest condolences over the tragic events and emphasized FIDE’s solidarity with Nepal’s chess players.

The statement focused not only on professional players but also on the country’s entire chess community. FIDE asked that its message of support be passed on to all members of the community, particularly those directly affected by the floods.

“We stand with you in solidarity and hope that the rescue and recovery efforts will bring relief to those affected.”

In this way, FIDE’s statement went beyond a formal diplomatic gesture, representing support for people for whom chess is an important part of their social and cultural life.

Chess in Nepal Continues to Develop

FIDE’s support is particularly significant against the backdrop of the noticeable development of chess in Nepal in recent years.

In June 2026, the country hosted its national championships for men and women. FM Rupesh Jaiswal and Kritishara Adhikari won the respective titles. The results also helped determine Nepal’s national teams for the 46th Chess Olympiad, where they will represent the country on the international stage.

The Nepal Chess Federation has also taken part in international chess development programs. In 2025, Nepal was among the federations receiving support through the Freedom Asian Chess Initiatives project, which aims to strengthen national federations, promote chess education, and expand international cooperation.

In addition, chess initiatives in Nepal received support from FIDE projects focused on the development of women’s and children’s chess. In January 2026, for example, a chess seminar for children from marginalized communities was held in Kathmandu. The event brought together 17 children, including 11 girls.

Chess as Part of the International Community

Messages such as this demonstrate that FIDE’s role extends well beyond organizing tournaments and maintaining chess ratings.

The international chess federation increasingly views chess as a tool for bringing people together, promoting education, and supporting communities. In recent years, the organization has implemented various projects aimed at developing chess in communities facing social or humanitarian challenges.

FIDE’s message to Nepal therefore fits into a broader trend: the international chess community seeks to support its national federations not only during competitions but also during difficult periods.

The Road to Recovery

Nepal’s immediate priority is now to address the consequences of the disaster and provide assistance to people facing difficult circumstances. Rescue and recovery efforts will be crucial in helping affected areas gradually return to normal life.

For Nepal’s chess community, this will also be a test of resilience. Tournaments, training sessions, and international competitions remain important, but in the aftermath of a major natural disaster, the safety of people and the restoration of damaged infrastructure must naturally come first.

FIDE has expressed hope that Nepal will be able to overcome the consequences of the tragedy and recover from the floods as quickly as possible.

Solidarity from the Chess World

The chessboard brings people together regardless of nationality, language, or culture. That is why a tragedy affecting one national chess community can become an occasion for support from players and organizations around the world.

Nepalese chess has made notable progress in recent years, with its players continuing to represent the country on the international stage. Now the community faces a different challenge: dealing with the consequences of a natural disaster and gradually returning to normal life.

FIDE has already expressed its solidarity with Nepal. The hope now is that rescue and recovery efforts will bring relief to those affected as quickly as possible and that the country’s chess community will gradually be able to return to its normal activities.