On August 9-10, a FIDE delegation, consisted of Vice President I. Gelfer and CEO G. Borg visited Tbilisi in respect of the coming two important events which will take place in Georgia – 2017 World Cup and 2018 Olympiad and FIDE Congress. The delegation, with Mr. Z. Azmaiparashvili, European Continental President and Chairman of the organizing committee of these two events, Mr. G. Giorgadze, President of the Georgian chess federation and Mr. A. Iashvili, General Secretary of the federation met with the Deputy of the Sport Minister of Georgia Mr. A. Lodia and discussed several issues concerning the events.
It was mentioned that the upcoming World Cup – Tbilisi September 2 – 28 will be the strongest ever, with the participation of the best players in the world, including World Champion M. Carlsen, his challenger S. Karjakin, 4 ex world Champions – and so on. Also mentioned that all financial obligations of Georgia towards FIDE concerning the events have been, so far, fully fulfilled and it was reported to Mr. Lodia that the preparations for the World Cup are going very well, and a great event is expected in Tbilisi in a few weeks.
The delegation later continued the meeting with a discussion about the 2018 Olympiad which will take place in Batumi 23/9 – 7/10 – 2018. Messers Lodia and Azmaiparashvili explained the status and developments of the venue of the Olympiad and FIDE people expressed their view about it. It was agreed that Mr. Gelfer will pay a visit to Batumi during the World Cup and will receive full details about the schedule and planned milestones there, which FIDE will be able to follow during 2018. The meeting concluded by the Deputy Minister expressing his full confidence that the 2018 Olympiad will be successfully operated in Batumi.