The four-member winning girls Queen’s College Chess Team
receiving the trophy from GCF President Anand Raghunath.

The General Assembly of the International Chess Federation (FIDE) voted last Sunday to allow chess teams from Russia and Belarus to return to international competitions, according to Reuters News Agency. Russian and Belarusian athletes were barred or restricted across many international sports, including chess, following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022.

FIDE has restored the rights of youth players from both countries while postponing a final decision on the use of national flags and anthems in adult team events. The full use of national symbols will now be allowed in youth and junior competitions. However, adult teams must currently compete under neutral symbols pending further consultations with the International Olympic Committee (IOC). The Russian Federation’s proposal had called for the immediate reinstatement of flags and anthems across all competitions. FIDE said it would consult with the IOC before making a final determination on the use of national symbols in adult team events to ensure there is similarity with other sporting disciplines.