Nagpur: International Arbiter Swapnil Bansod, who is the only Category-A International Arbiter from Nagpur, has achieved another significant milestone in his career. He has been appointed as the chief arbiter for the first time and will officiate in the FIDE Women’s Grand Prix 2nd Leg, which is scheduled to take place in Shymkent, Kazakhstan from October 29 to November 9.
This appointment marks the fourth time that Bansod has been selected to officiate world events abroad and the first time in the role of chief arbiter. Bansod became the first Maharashtrian and the third Indian arbiter to officiate as the chief arbiter at the FIDE world event. This will be his 7th World Championship event, adding to his impressive portfolio of international chess tournaments.
Wenesday Rate
Wed 25 Dec. 2024
Previously, he has worked at prestigious events such as the World Youth Olympiad Under-16 Chess Championship 2017 in Ahmedabad, the World Cadet Chess Championship 2018 in Spain, the World Youth Chess Championship 2019 in Mumbai, and the 44th FIDE Chess Olympiad 2022 in Chennai. In addition, he served as the pairing officer for the World Schools Team Chess Championship 2023 in Aktau, Kazakhstan, and the sector arbiter at World Amateur Chess Championship 2023 in Muscat, Oman.
The FIDE Women’s Grand Prix series is a significant event in the world of chess, and Bansod’s appointment is a matter of great pride for the city and its chess fraternity. He attributes his success to the unwavering support of his family members, the chess fraternity of Nagpur, the guidance of senior arbiters from across India, and the continuous support of the Maharashtra Chess Association and the All-India Chess Federation.
