I am pleased to welcome participants, athletes, coaches, guests, and supporters of the 43rd World Chess Olympiad!

Georgia and one of its most beautiful cities, Batumi are hosting the largest sports event - Chess Olympiad 2018. It would not be exaggerating to say that this Olympiad is a huge celebration not only for our chess players, but also for the entire country.

Georgia is well-known for its hospitality and I am sure that the Organizational Committee of the Olympiad, as well as the Chess Federation of Georgia will generously host this remarkable tournament.

Chess has always been very popular in our country. We are deservedly proud of Georgian legendary champions: Ms. Nona Gaprindashvili and Ms. Maia Chiburdanidze are both five-time world champions, while Ms. Nana Alexandria is the two-time vice-world champion and six-time champion of the Chess Olympiad.

Overall, the chess queen crown has been kept in Georgia for 30 years! I wish Georgia would celebrate the world championship once again in the nearest future.

The Olympiad is a team contest; Georgian chess history has witnessed numerous triumphs: four Olympiads won under the Georgian flag, world championship, etc. I do understand that you feel extremely responsible while performing in front of your supporters, though the joy caused by your victory at home is also extremely overwhelming.

I would like to wish successful performance to Georgian women’s and men’s teams and pleasant days to guests, visiting Batumi and participants of the Olympiad.