The World Youth Chess Championship played amongst boys and girls under 20 years old was officially opened in Khanty-Mansiysk on ‘The Knowledge Day’ – the First of September. This prestigious competition is a pathway to the adult professional chess. In total, 100 chess players from 39 countries came to the capital of Yugra. "I warmly welcome you to the one of the most excellent chess cities of Russia and the world which frequently hosted the biggest international chess competitions! Over the years, there were several candidate tournaments, the men's and the women’s' rapid and blitz World Championships, the Women's World Cup, as well as the three World Chess Cups.
The Youth World Championships is as important as the all the above prestigious tournaments. After all, it defines the next generation of elite chess players and anyone would be able to perceive the future of chess.
I heartily thank the authorities of the Khanty-Mansi Autonomous District of Yugra, the Russian Chess Federation, the Chess Federation of Khanty-Mansiysk Autonomous District, the autonomous institution "UgraMegaSport" and our sponsors for their support of the Championship and the great labour of organizing it.
I wish all the participants the energy and a great sporting spirit! Gens una sumus! “We are one people! “.
