Karpov Makes Indonesia Detour

July 18, 2010
Ami Afriatni
Eyeing Fide Post, Karpov Makes Indonesia Detour

With his sights set on becoming the next president of the world-governing body of chess, Russian grandmaster Anatoly Karpov held a two-day meeting with local sports officials in Jakarta over the weekend.

Karpov, considered one of the game’s greatest players and who shot to fame with his memorable battles against Garry Kasparov in the ’80s, on Friday sat with representatives of the Indonesian Chess Association (Percasi) to discuss his platform to promote the game.

“I believe that chess is in danger, so it needs to see changes — changes in approach and its reputation,” the former world champion said in his first visit to the country in 10 years.

Part of Karpov’s plan is to encourage more children to get into the sport.

“It is very important to cooperate with organizations like Unesco because they are responsible for helping to improve education in the world. Chess can benefit by having a strong relationship with such groups,” the 59-year-old Karpov said.

“Working with the Unesco and Unicef, for example, will be crucial in boosting the sport’s popularity in developing countries. These groups have programs that touch on a variety of issues, and chess can be combined with these programs,” he added.

“Chess used to enjoy such a lofty stature, but that disappeared somehow and now I want to bring that back.”

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