Mintimer Shaimiev: Playing chess, we speak a high intellectual language
A press conference dedicated to the start of the Universiade chess tournament has taken place in the Kazan Equestrian Complex. The event was attended by President of the International University Sports Federation (FISU) Claude-Louis Gallien, first President of the Republic of Tatarstan Mintimer Shaimiev, Olympic chess champion Alisa Galliamova, Competition Director Alexander Tkachev, and President of the Republic of Tatarstan Chess Federation Gennady Zakharov.
Claude-Louis Gallien praised highly the organisation of the chess tournament noting that chess is not an easy sport which trains both your mind and body. He expressed hope that chess as a sport will stay permanently in the Universiade sports programme.
"Chess is not included in the compulsory programme of the World University Games, and whether it will be included in the programme of the next Universiade depends on the organisers. I hope they will take into account the importance of this sport," said Claude-Louis Gallien.
The FISU President thanked Mintimer Shaimiev for his substantial contribution to the holding of the Universiade in Kazan. He referred to Mintimer Shaimiev as the founder of the Games and presented him with a symbolic gift – a few FISU chest badges.
"Sport brings us all together, it makes us forget about all negative stuff and creates mutual understanding. When playing chess, we speak a high intellectual language, the language of civilisations," underlined Mintimer Shaimiev.
Claude-Louis Gallien and Mintimer Shaimiev were asked if there was a possibility of a match between them. "I have a lot of respect for Mr.Gallien, and, if one of us wins, we as chess players will feel uncomfortable towards each other," replied Mintimer Shaimiev. "I think we agree beforehand on a draw."
According to Claude-Louis Gallien, he learnt how to play chess from Mintimer Shaimiev. "Opening a tournament, I played chess for the first time in my life. Mr.Shaimiev showed me how I should play, and I just did what he said," he said.
Alisa Galliamova, who also took part in the press conference, shared her view regarding the favourites of the tournament. "In the men's competition, it is definitely the Russian team, but as for women I think it is China though our team is strong and good, too. I think it is going to be an interesting fight," said Alisa Galliamova.
The chess tournament, which started on 9 July, is participated by 157 players representing 46 countries.