Politics Continuing to Wreck Sports is a Pity!
This is a premium tournament in Saudi Arabia that has drawn all of the world’s top chess players. Except seven from Israel, and that’s a shame!
Politics has played havoc with the World Rapid Championship – with Saudi Arabia refusing to grant visas to the Israeli players.
Sporting events, including the Olympics, have over the years borne the brunt of political intrusions. What a pity organisers have always failed to tap the opportunity to use sports as a unifying force against divisive elements holding the world to ransom!
Carlsen, Aronian, MVL, Anand, Grischuk, Mamedyarov, etc. are among the players participating in the tournament.
I would not want to put any blame on them for not raising their voice in support of the Israeli players. With Israel being a hot issue in the wake of the U.S. decision on Jerusalem who will want to be caught in the crossfire.
What is clear, though, is that Saudi Arabia was a wrong choice of venue for the tournament!
Sports and film stars must be tapped as a unifying force in an increasingly divided world.
G Joslin Vethakumar
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