Chess Makes Grand Comeback at Hangzhou Asian Games

Move over, esports—chess is stealing the spotlight as it returns to the Hangzhou Asian Games after a 13-year hiatus! Dubbed 'the quietest competition,' this year's event promises to be anything but dull, with International Chess Federation President Arkady Dvorkovich teasing 'very competitive and exciting' matches.

Why Chess? Why Now?

Once seen as a slow-paced board game, chess has surged in popularity globally thanks to Netflix's The Queen's Gambit and YouTube streamers turning grandmasters into Gen-Z icons. Hangzhou—a tech hub blending ancient culture with innovation—is the perfect stage to showcase chess’s mix of strategy and drama.

What to Expect

Top players from over 40 countries and regions will clash in rapid, blitz, and classic formats. Think mind-bending strategies, underdog stories, and maybe even human vs. machine exhibition matches! Dvorkovich hints at 'unpredictable outcomes' as rising stars challenge seasoned legends.

For travelers and culture buffs, the games also highlight Hangzhou's iconic West Lake and futuristic skyline—proving chess isn’t just a game but a bridge between tradition and tomorrow.

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What can we expect from the comeback of chess at Hangzhou Asian Games?

cgtn.com