New Year’s greetings of Vladimir Langin, President of the International Draughts Federation (IDF)
Dear friends!
On behalf of the International Draughts Federation IDF and I personally congratulate draughts players, coaches, organizers, officials and all fans of draughts on the New Year!
It became a good tradition before the New Year to think about our past achievements and share plans for the future.
Currently our members are 60 national federations. We are actively cooperating with the world’s largest sports organizations in order to declare itself as a separate sport “Draughts-64” and fully integrate into the world sports family.
August 29 regular reporting General Assembly was held in Bulgaria, on which was approved a number of important documents, such as the rules of assignment of international titles for players and Arbiters, Code of ethics, etc., was made the necessary changes to the Charter.
In 2016, Draughts-64 was actively developing; there have been some significant events, which combine the word “first.” This is the first championship of Africa, TAFISA World Sports Games, VI International Sports Games “Children of Asia”.
The first historical African Championship was held in the Zambian capital Lusaka by international draughts-64 (rules of Russian draughts). Championship was qualifying for the World Championship 2017. At the end of the competition the best African players were awarded by international titles. Champion of Africa Richard Mwammba from Democratic Congo became the first African international grandmaster in draughts-64. Silver medalist Moses Winesi from Malawi became an international master. The first African international arbiter, who received the title of Arbiter IDF, became Suzgo Alpha Nkhoma from Malawi. Players of Championship showed an interesting, informative game. It is clear that soon they will make a worthy competition to the world’s leading grandmasters.
In October 2015 the International Draughts Federation (IDF) has become a member of TAFISA, the world’s leading organization in the field of sport for all. Thanks to our active work in October 2016, Draughts-64 was first presented at the TAFISA World Sports Games in Jakarta (Indonesia).
In this global world sports forum, which takes place every four years, 12,000 athletes from 87 countries in 62 sports participated. The competition was held under the patronage of the IOC, TAFISA and UNESCO. Participation of Draughts-64 in such an event is a huge leap forward in the promotion and popularization of the sport in the world.
In July 2016 in Yakutia (Russia) took place the VI International Sports Games “Children of Asia”. About three thousand young athletes from 38 countries in 22 sports took part in the event. These prestigious competitions are held since 1996 every four years under the patronage of the IOC. Turning Draughts-64 program in these competitions is a further step to promote and popularize the sport in the world.
In 2016, all planned activities were held in accordance with our calendar.
In November 2016 in Tbilisi (Georgia) was successfully held the European Draughts-64 Championship among men and women (Classic and Blitz – International draughts-64 (Russian Draughts), Rapid – Brazilian Draughts). The prize fund of the Championship was 30 000 US dollars.
The World Cup was developed successfully also.
7 Stages of World Cup was held in Russia, Portugal, Italy, France, and, for the first time in Israel. Over 260 players from 38 countries took part in the competition. In the framework of the World Cup was held competitions in draughts-64: International (Russian), Brazilian, Italian and Portuguese. The total prize fund of the World Cup was about 17 000 Euro.
Much attention International Draughts Federation (IDF) is paid to children’s sport. At a high level, and in good conditions was held youth competitions: European Youth Championship in St. Petersburg (Russia) and the World Youth Championship in Bulgaria. In both competitions the winners of the competition in each age group in addition to the official awards received prizes from the organizers (tablets).
World Championships among veterans and teams was successfully held in Bulgaria. For the first time under our auspices at the same time with World Championships among youth, teams and veterans in Bulgaria was held the World Championship among people with disabilities.
Under the auspices of the International Draughts Federation (IDF) was held various international tournaments. For example, in Kolomna (Russia) for the first time was held and was well organized International tournament for the prize of President of the Draughts Federation of Russia Anatoly Nikitin. Perhaps this event will become a tradition and will collect a large number of participants.
The Foundation for development and promotion of draughts sport “Russian Draughts” has provided great support for our official competitions. We declare to him special thanks.
In total more than 1000 players from 50 countries of the world took part in official competitions of the International Draughts Federation (IDF) in 2016!
Many players have received deservedly performed international titles.
Information about our activities promptly published on our official website, which was updated at the beginning of 2016. The news about draughts-64 activities are watched by fans from 185 countries of the world!
Our activities are also regularly covered on various Internet resources, on television, in newspapers and magazines.
2017 will be next important step in the development of draughts-64 in the world and will bring a lot to our activities.
Further work to establish international contacts with various international sports organizations, involvement in our organization new countries will be actively pursued.
In 2017, planned the following major activities:
World Draughts-64 Championship among men and women will be held at a high level and with a good prize fund in October 2017 in St. Petersburg (Russia).
5 or 6 Stages of the World Cup will be held in Italy, Portugal and Russia, with the inclusion of these programs competitions for International, Brazilian, Italian and Portuguese versions of draughts-64. The prize fund will be increased, both on Stages and in the overall World Cup.
World Youth Championship will be held traditionally in Bulgaria. European Youth Championship will be held the first time in Orel (Russia). Upper age of junior group will be increased (26 years and younger).
Traditionally in Bulgaria will be held World Championships for teams and veterans.
European Championships for people with disabilities under the auspices of the IDF will be held in Belarus.
Asian Championships for youth and adult will be held in Tashkent.
Negotiations to hold the first America’s Championship in 2017 or 2018 are under way.
There will be also new activities and projects for the development of draughts in the world.
Since 2017 the official competitions will apply a new approved debuts table of draw for men and women and new forms of competition.
The material and technical base of the IDF will be strengthened. It is planned publication of the first textbook on international draughts-64 in English.
The members of the International Draughts Federation will get different preferences:
Assignment of international titles;
Reception (room and board) at the expense of the organizers:
For adult championships – one participant from each country – a member of the International Draughts Federation for men and for women;
For Youth Championships – four members from each country – a member of the International Draughts Federation (one player in the age groups 19, 16, 13, 10 years – boy or girl);
For World Cup – in accordance with the regulations of the World Cup; etc.
Specially created Foundation for development and promotion of draughts sport “Russian Draughts” will continue to support of our federation.
I wish in 2017 health, prosperity, success and new achievements to you and prosperity to our beloved sport!
I invite new countries and federations to cooperate with us!
