5th FIDE Intercontinental Online Chess Championship for Prisoners: India, El Salvador, and Iran Shine
The 5th FIDE Intercontinental Online Chess Championship for Prisoners came to an exciting finish after three intense days of competition. Players from correctional facilities across the world showed not only great chess skills but also teamwork, discipline, and transformation through the game.
India claimed the Men’s Championship title after a nail-biting Armageddon tiebreak against El Salvador. The Women’s Championship went to El Salvador, who defeated Ukraine with a strong comeback performance. In the Youth category, the all-female Iranian team emerged victorious over England.
This year’s event saw 135 teams from 57 countries — a record-breaking participation since the first edition in 2021. The competition took place in three stages: group qualifiers, championship rounds, and the grand finals.
In traditional chess tournaments, players often step away once their games end. But in this event, the atmosphere was different. Players stayed behind to support and cheer for their teammates, showing unity and respect that went beyond the chessboard.
In the Men’s final, India and El Salvador fought fiercely. After four rounds that ended in a tie, the match went to an Armageddon decider, where India’s top board clinched the victory. Mongolia secured third place after defeating Serbia in blitz playoffs.
The Women’s final saw El Salvador bounce back after losing the first round to Ukraine. They went on to win the next three matches with a confident 3–1 score. Mongolia took third place after beating El Salvador 2.
In the Youth final, Iran’s all-female team dominated, winning the first match 3–1 and drawing the second against England. India claimed the bronze after beating Ecuador in both matches.
FIDE President Arkady Dvorkovich congratulated all participants, saying, “Every single player who participated is a winner. The true victory lies in the personal transformation that chess has unlocked.”
He also reminded everyone that chess can be a guiding light for personal growth:
“I hope chess will continue to be a loyal part of your life, guiding you, making you happy, and helping you improve. The games are over, but the future is wide open — make your next move count.”
The event forms part of FIDE’s Chess for Freedom project — an inspiring global initiative that uses chess as a tool for education, discipline, and rehabilitation. Since its launch in 2021, the project has helped inmates worldwide build focus, improve decision-making, and prepare for a better future after release.
The FIDE Intercontinental Online Chess Championship for Prisoners truly shows how the game of chess can change lives — teaching patience, resilience, and the power of a second chance.
Photos: FIDE_Chess
Source: FIDE CHESS NEWS
