The International Chess Federation (FIDE) and All India Chess Federation (AICF) announced that Tech Mahindra Ltd, an Indian software enterprise, has been named as a digital sponsor for the next Chess Olympiad at Mahabalipuram.
The Chess Olympiad would be conducted from July 28, 2022, to August 9, 2022, with the Tamil Nadu government serving as the organizer and primary sponsor.
Tech Mahindra will supply smart technological services such as Fan Nxt.Now as part of this agreement to re-define the engagement of audience throughout the world.
Fan Nxt.Now would use artificial intelligence (AI), augmented reality (AR)/ virtual reality (VR), as well as other next-gen innovations to attract people nearer to the sport and action instantaneously, resulting in hyper-personalized data-driven spectator interactions.
Viswanathan Anand, a five-time international titleholder and Indian chess icon, will collaborate with Tech Mahindra throughout the Olympiad and contribute his expertise on next-generation chess technology and fan participation.
In addition, the organization will reaffirm its support for equality and inclusiveness by partnering with the FIDE Women’s World Cup and FIDE Women’s Grand Prix.
Arkady Dvorkovich, FIDE President, stated, “Throughout history, chess has always been a spearhead when it comes to technology. That has been the case with the invention of the printing press, the telegraph, the internet and artificial intelligence; chess has always been a testing ground for human inventiveness. This agreement between FIDE and Tech Mahindra continues this tradition and will allow the fans to enjoy chess through an interactive platform, while giving us innovative ways of promoting the game. We are very excited to be partnering with such an innovative company, considering all the possibilities that this collaboration opens for us.”
Jagdish Mitra, Chief Strategy Officer & Head of Growth, Tech Mahindra, said, “The history of the game of chess goes back to almost 1500 years, and its origins can be traced back to India. It is a matter of great pride for us at Tech Mahindra to support FIDE & AICF to provide next-gen digital experience to connect with global chess fans. This is a major step forward in our commitment towards enabling a digitally powered ecosystem that will help us in taking chess to its deserving position globally. With the amalgamation of new-age technologies and digital platform, we believe that this game of strategy based on the art of decision making can be popularised even more and amongst a larger audience.”
Bharat Singh Chouhan, Secretary-General, All India Chess Federation, commented, “We are delighted to welcome Tech Mahindra on board as a digital partner for the historic occasion for chess in India. We are looking forward to working with the team in making the FIDE chess Olympiad a grand success.”
Viswanathan Anand, the Indian chess icon, said, “It is a great moment for Indian chess to stage a historic Olympiad with a great team and I am looking forward to working with FIDE, AICF, and their digital partner – Tech Mahindra. Their expertise in leveraging technology to give the chess fans a unique experience will be the big highlight of the Olympiad.”