The Women's World Chess Championships 2017 was inaugurated on February 10th at 18:00 in the Espinas Palace Hotel in Tehran, simultaneous with The Revolution Day celebrated all over Iran. The hall was full of huge number of guests including players, officials, journalists, etc. Many Iranian and International political figures attended the opening ceremony, such as Mr. Igor Dodon, President of Moldova; Mr. Jagaria, Ambassador of Russia in Tehran; Dr. Masoud Soltanifar, Minister of Youth and Sport of I. R. Iran; Members of Islamic Council of I. R. Iran. The organizers were proud of hosting Mr. Kirsan Ilyumzhinov, FIDE President, too.
Officials watching the scene
Mr. Ilyumzhinov and Arian Gholami, one of the best Iranian youth chess players
All the players, except for Mona Khaled and two "Nino"s, were at the opening ceremony hall!
Two Indian Players and a memorable Selfie!
The ceremony started by Holy Quran and Iranian National Anthem, continued by speech of Iran Chess Federation President, FIDE President and President of Moldova, respectively. Mehrdad Pahlevanzadeh, the President of Chess Federation of I. R. Iran and Executive Manager of WWCC2017, sent his warm respect and love to all the guests and hoped to organize the championships well. The FIDE President gave his speech and talked about the chess in history of Iran and declared that Iranian chess players had really improved their chess during recent years.
Mr. Jagaria, the Ambassador of Russia in Tehran and his assistant. One can see stealthy Anastasia Sorokina and Shohreh Bayat, The Chief and Deputy Chief Arbiters behind them!
The Opening Ceremony Hall
Not to forget the gifts! A package containing a set of beautiful dress, a USB in Knight figure, and a useful book on the historical places of Iran, in addition to a beautiful scarf with chessboard design in a gorgeous box, handed over to the players.
Ju Wenjun, white in first round
The most important part of the ceremony, especially for players, was drawing of lots! According to it, Ju Wenjun would be white in the first round.
Wish all success and prosperity for all players!
By Sahar Noori
Photos by Kasra Shahbazi |
