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Inauguration of the 42^nd World Chess Olympiad took place at the National Gymnastics Federation, in Baku.

President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev, Mrs Mehriban Aliyeva and family members, President of the World Chess Federation (FIDE) Kirsan Ilyumjinov and other representatives of the organization, world chess champions, and state and government officials attended the ceremony.

176 countries have been registered to participate in this reputable competition hosted by Baku. 181 men’s and 142 women’s teams will compete in the Olympiad.

At the Olympiad, Azerbaijan is represented by three men’s and 2 women’s teams. First men’s team is comprised of Shahriyar Mammadyarov, Teymur Rajabov, Rauf Mammadov, Eltaj Safarli and Arkadi Naydich. The second team includes Vasif Durarbeyli, Namig Guliyev, Gadir Huseynov, Nijat Abasov and Ulvi Bajarani. The third team consists of Nail Bashirli, Mahammad Muradly, Vugar Asadli, Parviz Gasimov and Abdulla Gadimbeyli.

The first women’s team includes Zeynab Mammadyarova, Gunay Mammadzadeh, Aydan Hojjatova, Gulnar Mammadova and Narmin Kazimova. The second women’s team is comprised of Turkan Mammadyarova, Nargiz Umudova, Khayala Abdulla, Ulviyya Fataliyeva and Narmin Khalafova. The third women’s team consists of Narmin Mammadova, Khanum Balajayeva, Govhar Beydullayeva, Ayan Allahverdiyeva and Aynur Katanova.

President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev declared the 42^nd World Chess Olympiad open.

Over 250 foreign mass media representatives have been registered to cover the World Chess Olympiad. During the days of the Olympiad, Baku will also host FIDE’s next congress. 183 countries will be represented at this congress.

30 referees from Azerbaijan will be engaged in supervising this reputable competition.  

The first tournament will start at 15:00 on September 2. Consisting of eleven rounds, the competition will end on September 13.