Dvorkovich reelected as FIDE president in vote free from political pressure - Russian sports minister

MOSCOW. Aug 8 (Interfax) - Russian Sports Minister Oleg Matytsin has congratulated Arkady Dvorkovich on his reelection as president of the International Chess Federation (FIDE), the Sports Ministry's press service said.

"I am happy to congratulate Arkady Dvorkovich on his reelection to the post of FIDE president. The overwhelming majority of delegates voted for the Russian representative, who is the incumbent president of the organization, reaffirming his high authority and efficient work. I appreciate that the elections reflect the real results of his work and were not subject to political pressure. I am confident that Arkady Vladimirovich Dvorkovich will cope with the tasks facing him in the post of FIDE president and will continue his productive work to develop the sport of chess," Matytsin said.

"Beyond any doubt, it is particularly important to us to ensure that all athletes compete in all international tournaments in a full-fledged manner, that there is honest competition on the world stage, and that truly the strongest athletes win them. And during the upcoming FIDE championship, we will certainly support our grandmaster Yan Nepomnyashchy," the minister said.

It was reported on Sunday that Dvorkovich was reelected as FIDE president at the organization's congress in Chennai, India.

Viswanathan Anand has become the new FIDE deputy president.

Dvorkovich nominated himself for another term as FIDE president on May 12. His rival in the elections was Ukrainian grandmaster Andriy Baryshpolets.

Dvorkovich was first elected as FIDE president on October 3, 2018.