Today, according to the Chinese calendar, the New Year began - year of the Rooster. A year of new hopes and achievements. Rooster is an audacious, brave bird, the symbol of the beginning of a new day. It always strives for perfection, and that is why it welcomes life with joyful cry every morning.
Fiery red Rooster is a symbol of purification and aspiration. It will not burn but warm every heart and bring joy and luck to every home.
I want to congratulate the chess players and fans of the ancient game with the Chinese New Year. I sincerely wish that we all would have one more holiday in our personal calendars.
President of the International Chess Federation (FIDE)
Kirsan Ilyumzhinov
