Dharamsala: The Central Tibetan Administration (CTA) has signed an agreement with World Chess Federation (FIDE), recognising chess as a universal tool to reinforce the capabilities of Tibetan children for a better schooling life.
World Chess Federation President Kirsan Ilyumzhinov, who is a former president of Russia's Kalmykia Republic and steadfast supporter of Tibet, visited the Kashag Secretariat in Dharamsala yesterday and signed the agreement with Kalon Tripa Dr Lobsang Sangay.
Under the agreement, the Central Tibetan Administration will introduce the development and promotion of chess in the Tibetan education system.
Both CTA and FIDE will co-operate in the realisation of a mutual incentive-programme "Chess in Schools" as purposed-oriented educational programme.
The Tibetan schools will have chess classes by the new school year/semester of 2012.
The chess will be developed in Tibetan schools through educational programme, e-learning, awards, certificates, stipend and allowance.
Kalon Tripa opines that the agreement marks Central Tibetan Administration's another important step towards forging ties with an international body.
FIDE President Ilyumzhinov was accompanied by Kalmykia's spiritual leader Telo Rinpoche and other delegates.
Mr Ilyumzhinov has been closely associated with Tibet. As the president of Russia's Republic of Kalmykia, Mr Ilyumzhinov personally visited Dharamsala in 2006 to present His Holiness the Dalai Lam with White Lotus Award, the highest civilian award of the Kalmykia, on the 17th anniversary of His Holiness' Nobel prize.
