Armenian Chess Player Prevented from Participating in Tournament

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Armenian chess player Maria Gevorgyan, who was invited to the Buruciye International Chess Tournament in Sivas, was prevented from participating in the tournament.

A few days before the tournament began, organizers told Gevorgyan that if he joined, the Azerbaijani representatives would withdraw and that the Armenian chess player would not be able to participate in the tournament.

As a result, Gevorgyan was unable to attend the tournament, the ermenihaber.am reported.

In a letter to FIDE (World Chess Federation), Armenian MP Mkhitar Hayrapetyan stressed that Azerbaijan was putting pressure on Turkey and that this is an indication of racism and anti-Armenianism.

While Hayrapetyan said he expects the FIDE to the necessary steps, he stated that the statements condemning this situation could not have allowed Gevorgyan to participate in the tournament, but could have prevented similar situations.

Hayrapetyan also met with chess player Gevorgyan and informed her about the contents of the letter. (PT/VK)