tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-970746810324898604.post2005845012371484694..comments2023-03-22T07:01:56.428+01:00Comments on Lost On Time: Heads upejhhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01582272075999298935noreply@blogger.comBlogger59125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-970746810324898604.post-84254419073039112172016-11-15T23:55:53.562+01:002016-11-15T23:55:53.562+01:00In other Iranian WWC news, Sokolov was appointed t...In other Iranian WWC news, Sokolov was appointed the team coach, and it seems both FIDE nominee spots will go to Iran (Khademalsharieh who was in the GP, and Pourkashiyan who's a many-time national champ).Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-970746810324898604.post-45737154679045182032016-11-15T21:37:57.068+01:002016-11-15T21:37:57.068+01:00Interesting, though, since it's hardly likely ...Interesting, though, since it's hardly likely to help the boycott much if its principal progenitor is a supporter of the world's most famous Islamophobe.ejhhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01582272075999298935noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-970746810324898604.post-54752754981622527962016-11-15T20:09:38.746+01:002016-11-15T20:09:38.746+01:00I don't want to get too political about it all...I don't want to get too political about it all, but Paikidze is back in the press (sort of) over her Trump support. For some reason this is seen as odd enough to report (Heatst.com, and of course Susan Polgar linked to it), though people's personal politics never work as nicely as cookie-cutter templates want (she is termed a "liberal darling"), and anyway, given that Trump is seen as anti-Muslim and Hillary is pro-Saudi (I think), it's not at all far-fetched that someone stating an ostensibly feminist position over the hijab might also favor Trump.<br /><br />Her exact Tweet was (in response to a WashPost article from someone with the same 3 attributes and voting): <i>Thanks for sharing @AsraNomani: I'm a Muslim, a woman and an immigrant. I voted for Trump.</i><br /><br />She has since Tweeted a letter she sent to Heatst.com declaring how she stopped giving interviews weeks ago, she had common and differing grounds with both candidates but now has post-election been more vocal for Trump to try to calm the hysterical waters, and would prefer not to be their click-bait.Laarnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-970746810324898604.post-12935390374350540342016-10-31T22:52:04.813+01:002016-10-31T22:52:04.813+01:00The original India Times article has slightly diff...The original India Times article has slightly different wording in some quotations (which may be translations anyway).<br /><br />http://www.indiatimes.com/sports/indian-shooter-heena-sidhu-refuses-to-wear-a-hijab-withdraws-from-airgun-competition-in-iran-264493.html<br /><br />And they give the last two Tweets in her chain, saying that she's just made a personal decision, and doesn't want this politicized or to overshadow the event.Ponoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-970746810324898604.post-78362284198498012252016-10-31T22:09:55.785+01:002016-10-31T22:09:55.785+01:00That's very interesting, thanks.That's very interesting, thanks.ejhhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01582272075999298935noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-970746810324898604.post-69666308276386547232016-10-31T20:45:17.179+01:002016-10-31T20:45:17.179+01:00Sorry if this is late, but it seems relevant.
htt...Sorry if this is late, but it seems relevant.<br /><br />http://www.insidethegames.biz/articles/1043201/indian-shooter-withdraws-from-asian-airgun-championship-in-tehran-after-refusing-to-wear-hijab<br /><br /><i>Indian shooter withdraws from Asian Airgun Championship in Tehran after refusing to wear hijab</i><br /><br />India's Heena Sidhu has withdrawn from the Asian Airgun Championship in Tehran in protest at organisers making it compulsory for all female competitors to have to wear a hijab.<br /><br />The 27-year-old from Punjab had written to the National Rifle Association of India earlier this month to inform them of her decision and has now made her decision public. <br /><br />The dress code on the official website of the tournament, due to take place between December 3 and 12, reads: "Women's clothing in the shooting range and public places is required to conform to the rules and regulations of I. R. Iran."<br /><br />This has angered Sidhu, the first Indian female pistol shooter to be ranked as the world number one in an event by the International Shooting Sport Federation (ISSF).<br /><br />"Forcing tourists or foreign guests to wear a hijab is not a sporting thing," she told the Times of India. <br /><br />"I don't like it, so I pulled out.<br /><br />"You are practicing your religion, let me practice mine. <br /><br />"If you are forcing your religious beliefs on me, then I don't want to compete."Laarnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-970746810324898604.post-16362387188167412802016-10-22T07:57:55.874+02:002016-10-22T07:57:55.874+02:00Po's information about Guo is seriously out of...Po's information about Guo is seriously out of date. Her boyfriend and trainer for the past five years has been Armenian GM Hrant Melkumyan and she lives some of the time in Yerevan. They most recently competed together at the Isle of Man Open, which from Australia would be much more expensive to reach than Iran.<br />Of course it's impossible to know if they would be willing to marry in order to train together in Tehran:)La Lanoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-970746810324898604.post-2021083864729189312016-10-17T11:21:31.921+02:002016-10-17T11:21:31.921+02:00Here's how FIVB is currently shaking out:
The...Here's how FIVB is currently shaking out:<br /><br /><i>The International Volleyball Federation (FIVB) has claimed they have been greatly encouraged by the "small positive steps" taken in recent months to allow women to attend volleyball events in Iran.<br /><br />The sport’s governing body reiterated that their position had not changed regarding awarding events to the Islamic country, despite Human Rights Watch (HRW) issuing a fresh call to bar the nation from staging competitions until a ban on women attending matches is lifted.</i><br /><br />Of course, Iran doesn't host <b>women's</b> volleyball events...A.noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-970746810324898604.post-64115614995659732682016-10-07T11:10:03.733+02:002016-10-07T11:10:03.733+02:00Saw that Qatar has opened registration for FIDE Wo...Saw that Qatar has opened registration for FIDE World Blitz & Rapid Championships (open and women).<br /><br />I guess their dress code is considered acceptable?<br /><br />(I could mention other problematic laws from the Western standpoint, but this is more relevant to OP)Name/URLnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-970746810324898604.post-3333511329200173562016-10-06T03:19:25.667+02:002016-10-06T03:19:25.667+02:00It depends on whether FIDE takes its 20% tax or no...It depends on whether FIDE takes its 20% tax or not (my guess is "yes", given their financial situation), but the $3750 for losing is really only 3000 then. Paikidze-Barnes won 25000 for the US champ this last year, but here would only get 24000 for runner-up (even before expenses). The other person who has been most critical is Kosteniuk, who I'd also guess is wealthier than the almost all the field.Ponoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-970746810324898604.post-8999441161535685122016-10-04T14:45:45.950+02:002016-10-04T14:45:45.950+02:00According to Sutovsky blog, Minsk (Belarus) and As...According to Sutovsky blog, Minsk (Belarus) and Astana (Kazakhstan) were kind of sort of interested in hosting WWC at one point. David Llada actually said the latter would be "just perfect", which I guess wouldn't go great with human rights activists. Baku was also brought up by Aagaard in this sense (human rights, "repressive dictatorship"), as to where exactly one draws the lines with being principled (both personally, and universally as with a call for a boycott).Bad Optionsnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-970746810324898604.post-18365823015886448972016-10-04T10:55:03.934+02:002016-10-04T10:55:03.934+02:00I find that Arabic poster for Feb 2016 Women's...I find that Arabic poster for Feb 2016 Women's GP in Iran rather interesting, as of course no media showed it in contrast to the opening ceremony pic with hijabs for all. Maybe they only wanted to report on the event as-is, but at least to get the broad view you have to know of its existence.Ponoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-970746810324898604.post-36792795808168526042016-10-04T10:49:38.408+02:002016-10-04T10:49:38.408+02:00Rogers was her coach at one point, no? He has been...Rogers was her coach at one point, no? He has been outspoken on similar issues before. I didn't say that he'd make up her mind, only that he might get involved (particularly with a boycott). And if he is still coaching her, as Paehtz pointed out, the consideration of entering hotel rooms in Iran is not easy. Rogers was attending World Cup (Baku) with Illingworth if memory is correct, though likely partially as reporter, and moreover he often covers Women's events that other media don't cover so much. She is just 20, and I'd guess she'd like useful advice, even from a man... (particularly, as I say, to support her in a boycott, either politically (he has many contacts) or administratively).<br /><br />Cost of Australia to Iran isn't by itself making the trip a loss, but it's relatively more than other participants will pay. Maybe it depends on whether she wants essentially a free vacation to Iran (in cold February) or not, with a little extra spending money. Or if she is already in Eurasia for other tournaments that time of year (which now thinking, is rather likely). As I said, there are multiple factors in play, and they could add up to breaking the camel's back. Being the lowest rated (or abouts) in the field is never easy, especially in a KO. The excuse is there, if she wants it. What I really meant, is just that she's the most likely one (by far) on the Asia list not to attend. The rest was sort of a garbled justification.<br /><br />I read the Oceania Chess documents, and they don't suggest they will pay much to the trip (more is expended on getting players to the Zonal in the first place). This is unlike other places such as Canada 2.2, or Bangladesh Zone 3.2, so the marginal costs differ.Ponoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-970746810324898604.post-73069251420870658792016-10-04T09:25:25.403+02:002016-10-04T09:25:25.403+02:00On the FIDE webpage for the last February event, i...On the FIDE webpage for the last February event, it says: <i>As a sign of respect to the country's culture, rituals and beliefs, the participants will follow the guidelines of the Iranian women attire, emphasizing once again that chess reunites people in a tournament which will not be only different and special but also irreplaceable! </i><br /><br />https://www.fide.com/component/content/article/1-fide-news/9413-teheran-womens-grand-prix-is-about-to-start.html<br /><br />And also (near page bottom) an pre-event advertisement in Arabic with them not wearing hijabs (the photos being from other events I presume).Laarnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-970746810324898604.post-29161732627011104822016-10-04T07:53:23.299+02:002016-10-04T07:53:23.299+02:00In response to Po, money is unlikely to be a facto...In response to Po, money is unlikely to be a factor for the Australian player Guo dropping out of the Women's World Championship, since losing in the first round would more than cover the airfare. (Also rather sexist to assume that she is not independent enough to make up her own mind without a man's (Rogers') influence.)<br />La Lanoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-970746810324898604.post-35290150305840434632016-10-03T22:31:05.322+02:002016-10-03T22:31:05.322+02:00FIDE Calendar shows about 5 Asian events in Iran o...FIDE Calendar shows about 5 Asian events in Iran over last 5 years (Schools, Seniors, Nations Cup, Youth), also one in Saudi Arabia (Senior/Amateur 2013). Sudan has hosted African events too.<br /><br />If one imagines the IOC to care about FIDE by subsidiarity, then shouldn't FIDE similarly care about the continental associations?A.noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-970746810324898604.post-19337067228375223522016-10-03T22:17:06.419+02:002016-10-03T22:17:06.419+02:00http://www.fide.com/component/content/article/4-to...http://www.fide.com/component/content/article/4-tournaments/9847-asian-amateur-chess-championships-2016.html<br /><br /><b>Asian Amateur Chess Championships 2016 </b><br /><br />The Iranian Chess Federation (IRCF) in cooperation with Isfahan Chess Association on behalf of the Asian Chess Federation (ACF) invite chess players from all Asian countries which are members of FIDE to participate in the Asian Amateur Chess Championships held from 11th to 19th November 2016, Isfahan, Iran.<br /><br />9. Contacts<br />Mrs. Sahar Noori<br />International Relations Officer<br />E-mail: ircfchess@gmail.com<br />Mobile: +98 912 5452826Doubling downnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-970746810324898604.post-27155151447529096702016-10-03T16:27:33.881+02:002016-10-03T16:27:33.881+02:00One of my posts got eaten (listed at 05:23), maybe...<i>One of my posts got eaten (listed at 05:23), maybe for length, or too many links? </i><br /><br />Sorry, I missed this - I just found it in spam! I can reinstate it if you like, or we can just leave it.ejhhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01582272075999298935noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-970746810324898604.post-31432442870798985462016-10-03T11:03:04.586+02:002016-10-03T11:03:04.586+02:00Just looking at the list of names, from my limited...Just looking at the list of names, from my limited view I don't think a boycott will amount to more than 10 (and the baseline, as was mentioned previously, is likely 5 absentees for whatever reasons).<br /><br />Almost all the Europeans are not the most Western, with maybe Cramling, or possibly either Foisor or Socko about the only ones I'd expect to make a principled stand. Paehtz has already said she's (grudgingly) OK with it, Gunina might have bad memories of the groping incident this last year (and Cramling was with her), Kosteniuk has made a bit of noise but I expect her to fall in line, as with all the others. Atalik's husband is noted for his belligerences toward chess officialdom, so again a male might find reason to offer "protection" on the matter.<br /><br />Asia is similar. The question of being asked to wear a head covering (and construing an imputation of a religious/oppressive meaning to such) just isn't a huge cultural deal for most. Humpy and Harika gave comments to ChessBase India saying essentially this. Only maybe Emma Guo, and half the argument there is that the travel cost from Australia is high anyway (not sure the association/zone pays part or all of it?), and this may tip the balance (also, Ian Rogers might get involved).<br /><br />Americas is the biggie. Would not be surprised if half of the 8 end up opting out, though Latin America can definitely have two types of extremes on such questions, and I don't know which class the specific women fall closer to. Cost is again a consideration for individuals too.<br /><br />Adding in a few more for "standard" reasons, 10 would be about my prediction. Nalchik in 2008 was I think a similar number, with the war situation preventing the Georgians (5), and deterring a few others if memory serves.<br /><br />An open letter would probably only include an accounting slightly larger, even if the ACP bolsters it. The 2010 one fell on deaf ears, and putting your name on it might not be cost-free (as least in perception) for some.Ponoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-970746810324898604.post-63200046926752834372016-10-01T13:32:36.931+02:002016-10-01T13:32:36.931+02:00The fact that IOC has censured neither FIBA nor FI...The fact that IOC has censured neither FIBA nor FIVB over hosting (male) events in Iran indicates, to some limited degree, that they don't find Iran's hijab requirement toward its <b>own</b> citizens to be sufficiently discriminatory to make the whole country be verboten for hosting purposes (parallel to the analysis of Judge Tulkens: if the hijab is <i>really</i> that bad, then Europe, and so FIBA/IOC/FIVB as Swiss associations, should have nothing to do with it <i>at all</i>). Extending this to similarly conclude that a hijab requirement for <i>visiting participants</i> is also "not discrimination" is not the most gigantic of leaps, but on the other hand would require (much) more argument than I've seen to date.<br /><br />But I agree that the IOC should really not be at issue in any of this (ultimately the ECtHR would decide any substantive issues). Who contacted them in the first place regarding FIDE's decision, maybe Nigel's press friends?Xerxes IVnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-970746810324898604.post-52501637020648956422016-10-01T11:51:27.633+02:002016-10-01T11:51:27.633+02:00At least in Iran itself, I think a general poll of...<i>At least in Iran itself, I think a general poll of women would support the dress code in principle, and most likely by a 3/4 supermajority or so.</i><br /><br />The "Hijab by country" page at Wikipedia has an interesting piece about Iran (though there are many citations, I don't know how much to trust the point of view), but most relevantly has the results of a 2010 poll that 77% of 531 Iranian women aged 15-29 preferred "strict" covering.A.noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-970746810324898604.post-19061258705033477382016-10-01T11:25:03.311+02:002016-10-01T11:25:03.311+02:00It's not clear whether individuals should be a...<i>It's not clear whether individuals should be addressing FIDE directly, through their federations, by carrier pigeon...</i><br />I suspect Mr. Horton does not want to turn this into a legal blog, but a proper construal of FIDE Statute 13.1 (either in previous or recently amended form) would likely be that tournament participants are not "parties directly affected/aggrieved" until an official announcement of the WWC is made and/or contracts are issued therein. Only federations can make a (legal) complaint against GA/2016-31, and as was mentioned, none raised any objections at the actual vote (thus limiting their rights, perhaps severely).<br /><br />So I'm not sure what Ms. Karlovich means by "an official complaint" from any eligible individuals, but probably it's just that Nigel Freeman and FIDE Secretariat haven't received anything (other than a deluge of press inquiries, I presume). While we're at it, I also don't think her position as Press Officer allows her to make "official" statements from FIDE (as Polgar terms it), except on behalf of higher authority. Possibly FIDE Executive gave her general directions on the matter, and then leeway to respond as she sees fit, but this might be clarified.ThanklessTemerityhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04119455620729838661noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-970746810324898604.post-44957475793676655622016-10-01T11:14:53.457+02:002016-10-01T11:14:53.457+02:00To Laar (05:10),
The Telegraph article might do be...To Laar (05:10),<br />The Telegraph article might do better to invoke Principle 4 of the Olympic Charter than Principle 6. <i>The practice of sport is a human right. Every individual must have the possibility of practising sport, without discrimination of any kind and in the Olympic spirit, which requires mutual understanding with a spirit of friendship, solidarity and fair play.</i> (The Dutee Chand CAS decision §513 quite famously truncated the second sentence after "kind", but IMO you need to read the principle as a whole, particularly here.) FIDE itself is bound to the Olympic Charter even in its internal matters by its Statute 1.3, but any recompense for failure to do so (under a principle of autonomy) shouldn't amount to more than as you say, the IOC terminating FIDE's status. A court would have to make its own finding of discrimination for FIDE to be liable beyond that.<br /><br />Re: the Olympics and FIDE.<br /><br />I forget how many years ago it was, and whether it was in the GA or the Disabled commission (maybe even WCOC), but there was an explicit discussion relaying that the IOC had noted that FIDE includes non-national teams as Olympiad participants (the blind, deaf, and disabled federations), and had told them succinctly that this was not compatible with IOC rules. <br /><br />Whoever was the head of the meeting declared that they would just ignore this, and next time around try to impress the IOC that chess was a sport where the disabled could jointly participate with everyone else. Yes indeed (other sports have this too to varying degrees), but why does FIDE include special teams for them? So good luck with that.... My conclusion: FIDE isn't "serious" about being in the Olympics other than Kirsan talking it up in the press occasionally, and meeting with sportsworld bigwigs (which admittedly would end if the IOC censured FIDE). All talk, minimal action. Comparatively, the recent tug-of-war federation General Assembly had a serious presentation about how/why their bid with IOC failed, what the successful sports did, how they should change things, etc. While Kirsan talks about chess pieces made of ice.<br /><br />On a different "boycotting" note: are there any women in FIDE positions who are talking about resigning if this comes to fruition?ThanklessTemerityhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04119455620729838661noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-970746810324898604.post-780129734314282512016-10-01T08:08:34.052+02:002016-10-01T08:08:34.052+02:00Another point is that one of the main English writ...Another point is that one of the main English writers (other than the impossible ColmChess) at Sutovsky blog is not a WWC participant (though previously Pan-American women's champ some years back). The official FIDE statement phrased it as no "eligible" player had officially complained (to date), yet as Sutovsky/Paehtz/Paikidze have discussed, it's not clear whether individuals should be addressing FIDE directly, through their federations, by carrier pigeon...A.noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-970746810324898604.post-36013188190757012852016-10-01T05:47:13.191+02:002016-10-01T05:47:13.191+02:00Sutovsky's blog, at least the English discussi...Sutovsky's blog, at least the English discussion, is largely spammed by "Colm Chess", but Anna Muzychuk commented in Russian. She said that there's always problems of FIDE finding a host, but as a personal position she agrees with Kosteniuk and Zhukova that it will be "uncomfortable"... She also thinks there will be practical difficulties in getting (say) half of the participants to sign a letter (let alone a boycott), and even then, would it move FIDE on the matter?<br /><br />Sutovsky says they should be more brave (recalling the 2010 open letter and its aftermath, with I guess some pushback from FIDE), says the ACP will support, and mentions (importantly) that Borg (FIDE CEO) will be in Teheran next week to sign an agreement (Sutovsky has sent an "official letter" to FIDE, asking them to "resolve" the matter, and I don't claim my translation and contextual interpretation skills can exactly determine what that means).<br /><br />Elisabeth Paehtz spoke in the English section, but largely about the side issue of men/women entering each other's hotel rooms (male coaches), though her only source for this rule is Tiviakov (invoking surveillance cameras on all floors). On the other side (and temporarily prior), Kiril Kuznetsov (a coach who has worked there?) said that he's never seen a problem with that, and moreover downplayed safety issues (Gunina probably won't agree).<br /><br />Perhaps the most important point Paehtz makes (responding to Sutovsky about federations, not individuals, being FIDE members) is "my federation just wrote their to fide about discriminantion, etc. however they [German fed] didnt dare to ask my opinion, and i am the only participant [from Germany]." She manages to be diplomatic about it, and says on the hand maybe it was to be "protected" (her scare quotes), but on the other hand she would have preferred to have been talked to first by them (someone previously noted Sutovsky sort of acted the same way, stating the ACP position before asking around).<br /><br />Later she points out that in given the "Iran versus no event" choice, most would honestly choose the former (she concurs with Sutovsky that players are selfish on the matter, not considering higher objectives). She continues the diplomatic rout and goes on some about federation vs country (not wanting to harm the former), and Sutovsky a bit mockingly says it's funny (or not so) to see the DDR mentality after 27 years later.Laarnoreply@blogger.com