Anand Becomes Acting FIDE President

Former World Chess Champion Viswanathan Anand has been appointed as the Acting President of the International Chess Federation (FIDE), becoming the first Indian to hold the prestigious position. Anand, who currently serves as FIDE Deputy President, will take over the responsibilities on an interim basis.

The development comes after FIDE President Arkady Dvorkovich temporarily stepped aside following sanctions imposed on him by the European Union. The sanctions are linked to Russia's war in Ukraine, with Dvorkovich, a former Russian Deputy Prime Minister, included in the sanctions list. Anand will now lead FIDE until further decisions are made.