The World Chess Federation (FIDE) president Kirsan ILyumzhinov has applauded Botswana Chess Federation (BCF) for the determination they have shown towards the development of chess over the years. ILyumzhinov said BCF is one of the most active chess federations in the world and has made significant strides in the development of the game. ILyumzhinov said this during a press conference in Gaborone last week. The FIDE president, who was in Botswana to meet with relevant stakeholders concerning his endeavour to start the Chess in Schools Programme, said BCF therefore needs help to further their development. ILyumzhinov assured the local chess federation of his support as FIDE president and that of the Russian Chess Federation. The Russian is said to have been instrumental in the Chess in Schools programme in Russia that has yielded very good results. ILyumzhinov said since the programme was introduced in Russian schools in 1993 it has produced great players and they now have a lot of Grandmasters. The FIDE president said he believes that the same approach could work for Botswana. “I have met with the Minister of Basic Education to discuss the chess in school programme. The discussions went well and the minister and his…