FIDE to provide childcare support for elite players

As part of its “ChessMom” initiative, the International Chess Federation (FIDE) will provide childcare support for mothers competing in elite chess, returning in 2026 for the 46th Chess Olympiad in Uzbekistan. As expressed by Francisco J. Cruz Arce from FIDE’s Women’s Commission, “the aim is simple - no woman should have to choose between motherhood and her career as a professional chess player.” Naturally, it will assist mothers with balancing elite chess alongside childcare responsibilities.

The initiative was tested during the 2024 Chess Olympiad, a biennial chess tournament where teams representing different nations compete. Mothers will also be able to benefit from the support during World Cups.

As stated by Chess Base, key features of the programme include:

• FIDE will support 10 female chess players, based on rating (highest to lowest)
• At least 1 player per Continent in guaranteed
• FIDE will provide reimbursement up to €1,000 per player (or €500 EUR from same continent as Olympiad host country) who travels with an under 2 years old child (previously under one), to cover the caregiver's flight ticket to the 46th Chess Olympiad (most airlines do not charge for child under 2, traveling with an adult)
• Child and accompanied caregiver shall be considered as part of the National Official Delegation with all applicable rights. Meaning providing lodge and meals, and any other applicable discounted fee as part of the Official Delegation (not visitor)

National Federations and eligible players will need to present the following:

• Player's full name, FIDE ID, national federation, and citizenship
• Visa requirement for Uzbekistan
• Child's full name and date of birth
• Accompanying person's full name, relationship to the player or child, and citizenship
• Letter of request from the player
• Letter of concurrence from the National Federation confirming participation in the 2026 Olympiad

In the FIDE World Cup in India (1 November 2025 – 26 November 2025), only nineteen-year-old player Divya Deshmukh is registered. However, in 2024, six mothers from different countries were registered on the programme during the Chess Olympiad. This featured fifty players from ten countries.

FIDE Deputy Chair of the Management Board, Dana Reizniece, voiced:

“I think it is important that women in chess feel supported. We cannot take all the barriers for women away, but with programs like ChessMom we want to help professional chess players balance their career and personal life.”

FIDE’S statement can be found here.

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