The International Chess Federation has officially joined the International World Games Association during its Annual General Meeting held at the Olympic Museum in Lausanne, Switzerland. This inclusion expands IWGA’s membership to 40 federations and marks a significant step in recognizing chess as a global mind sport within the international multi-sport ecosystem.
About International Chess Federation:
ØFounded in 1924, headquartered in Lausanne.
ØGoverns international chess competitions including the Chess Olympiad.
ØMember of the International Mind Sports Association (IMSA).
ØFounder: Pierre Vincent
ØPresident: Arkady Dvorkovich
About International World Games Association:
ØEstablished in 1980, headquartered in Lausanne, Switzerland.
ØRecognised by the International Olympic Committee (IOC).
ØOrganises The World Games, held every 4 years for non-Olympic sports.
ØPresident: Anna Arzhanova
About The World Games:
ØFirst held in 1981 (USA).
ØLatest edition: 2025 Chengd(China).
ØNext edition: 2029 Karlsruhe (Germany).
Eligibility Criteria for IWGA Membership
ØFederation must be recognised by the IOC and part of ARISF.
ØSport should have global reach and not be fully part of the Olympic programme.
Conceptual Importance
ØReflects growing acceptance of mind sports (chess, esports, etc.) in global sporting governance.
ØStrengthens integration between intellectual sports and traditional sports systems.
UPSC - 2027 - Prelims cum Mains - Foundation Course / Batch Starts on 15-04-2026 
