The Indian team has withdrawn from the World Cadet Chess Championship, 2023 to be held at Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt from October 14 to 23. Safety concern has been cited as the reason behind the withdrawal.
The All India Chess Federation (AICF) in a press release said that the decision was made given the situation in Gaza and with the safety of the participants in mind. Egypt happens to share the border with Gaza as well as Israel.
Around 80 people, including players, coaches, and accompanying individuals, were to travel to Sharm el-Sheikh for the tournament. Events were scheduled for the under 12, 10, and 8 categories. Sharm el-Sheikh, the host city for the championship is less than 400 KM from the Israel border and the conflict can significantly impact on commercial airlines in the Middle East on short notice, the press release read.
The conflict between Israel and the Hamas ruling Gaza has been ongoing and with each passing day, uncertainties are growing. Several countries including India, are evacuating their nationals from Israel keeping in mind their safety.
Israel launched military actions against the Islamic militant group after its fighters broke through the border fence and stormed into the country’s south through air, land, and sea on October 7. Since the, military conflict has been going on between Israel and Hamas.