Prishtina, 14 June 2024
On the occasion of the organization of the Balkan Chess Championship and the International Chess Tournament “Prishtina Open”, The Prime Minister of the Republic of Kosovo, Albin Kurti, took part in the events organized within the framework of welcoming 120 chess players, who are in Kosovo, and who come from 16 different countries of the world.
Gathered to celebrate, not only the beauty and competitive side of this ancient sport, but also the spirit of cooperation and friendship it carries among our people, Prime Minister Kurti, expressed about the sport of chess that it is much more than a game, it carries within itself art and science, as well as a reflection of human mind and will.
The special feature of this important event taking place in our country is the presence of the world chess legend, Nigel Short, whom the prime minister honored by elevating the personality and figure of the chess player Nigel Short, as inspiration and support for the young generations. His participation in this sporting event is proof of the commitment and common commitment to develop and promote chess as a sport, said the Prime Minister.
“When I was young, I remember the beautiful games of the extraordinary talent in chess, Nigel Short. In 1992, he won a match 6:4 against Anatoly Karpov, and the following year, exactly three decades ago in 1993, he played a game where he defeated both Garry Kasparov and Vladimir Kramnik . Thank you, Mr. Short, for the support and inspiration you provide to the new generations of chess players everywhere,” recalled the Prime Minister.
The Prime Minister also emphasized that as part of the state program “Sports in Schools,” which is being piloted in 30 schools across 21 Kosovo municipalities, the sport of chess has captured the hearts and minds of our students who are currently developing the final phase of the project, competing to be the best. Some of these young chess players from this program were present to follow professional competitions and support the chess players from Kosovo.
In concluding his speech, Prime Minister Kurti thanked and expressed gratitude for the great work and commitment to the Kosovo Chess Federation, the Ministry of Culture, Youth, and Sports, as well as the sponsors, volunteers, and all other supporters. He invited the participating chess players from different countries of the world to visit the cities of Kosovo and to get acquainted with the fantastic energy offered by our people and country.
Joining Prime Minister Kurti in this important event were also the Deputy Minister of Culture, Youth, and Sports, Daulina Osmani, the President of the Olympic Committee of Kosovo, Ismet Krasniqi, representatives of federations from neighboring countries, as well as students from the “Chess in Schools” program, chess players, and enthusiasts of this sport. During his stay there, the Prime Minister also had a friendly conversation with the world chess legend, Nigel Short.
Prime Minister Kurti’s full speech:
Honorable Deputy Minister of Culture, Youth, and Sports, Ms. Daulina Osmani,
Honorable President of the Olympic Committee of Kosovo, Mr. Ismet Krasniqi,
Honorable Director for Chess Development at the International Federation, Mr. Nigel Short,
Honored representatives of friendly federations from our neighboring countries,
Dear students of the state program “Chess in Schools”,
Honored participants, chess players, chess enthusiasts, and distinguished guests,
It is my pleasure to welcome you to the Balkan Chess Championship and the Prishtina Open, two sporting events being organized simultaneously, which have brought to Kosovo 120 chess players from 16 countries around the world.
Chess is much more than a game; it is art and science and reflects the human mind and will. Seeking intricate strategies between opening theories and mathematical conclusions, chess teaches us patience, discipline, and the importance of well-weighed moves and decisions, which continually challenge us to improve as individuals and excel as a group.
Today, we are gathered here to celebrate not only the beauty and competitive side of this ancient sport but also the spirit of cooperation and friendship it fosters among our peoples. On this day, it is a special honor to have with us the world chess legend, Mr. Nigel Short. His presence here is a testament to our shared commitment to develop and promote chess as a sport. When I was young, I remember the beautiful games of the extraordinary talent in chess, Nigel Short. In 1992, he won a match 6:4 against Anatoly Karpov, and the following year, exactly three decades ago in 1993, he played a game where he defeated both Garry Kasparov and Vladimir Kramnik . Thank you, Mr. Short, for the support and inspiration you provide to new generations of chess players everywhere.
As part of the state program “Sport in Schools,” which is being piloted in 30 schools across 21 Kosovo municipalities, the sport of chess has captured the hearts and minds of our students who are currently developing the final phase of the project, competing to be declared the best. Among us here, we also have young chess players from this program who have come to follow professional competitions and undoubtedly to support the chess players from Kosovo.
The biography of Mr. Nigel Short, who was only 10 years old when he defeated Victor Korchnoi in a simultaneous exhibition, again shows us that it is never too early to get involved in chess.
We thank everyone who is engaging and contributing to the organization of these events, especially the Kosovo Chess Federation, the Ministry of Culture, Youth, and Sports, sponsors, volunteers, and all supporters.
Finally, I wish the participants success and fair matches, and I hope that during your stay in Pristina, you will have the opportunity to experience the fantastic energy of our country up close.
Thank you and best of luck to everyone.
Last modified: June 25, 2024