This is a story which I admittedly only found out about months after the fact. Only recently did I learn about this, although it probably should have been a much bigger story.
Chess Grandmaster Anna Muzychuk decided to make a stand and refused to play in Saudi Arabia.
The reasons? She felt that her rights were going to be compromised if she went to that country to play a chess tournament.
So despite the fact that it cost her both titles and money to make the tough decision, she felt that it was more important to make a stand and go with her values, which opposed the notion of compromising her rights.
Here, in her own words, is what she said about the matter when announcing that she would not be participating:
"In a few days, I will lose two world titles, back to back. Because I decided not to go to Saudi Arabia.
"I refuse to play by special rules, to wear abaya, to be accompanied by a man so I can leave the hotel, so I don't feel like a second class person. I will follow my principles and not compete in the World Fast Chess and Blitz Championship where in just 5 days I could have won more money than dozens of other tournaments combined.
"This is all very nasty but the sad part is no one seems to care. Bitter feelings but can't go back.”
What do you guys think? Was she right to take this stand? Or should she have gone to Saudi Arabia and tried to win those titles?
Personally, I support her stance and feel that she has a point. However, I welcome any other opinions on the subject. So please feel free to express your opinions!
Below is the link to the MSN article which I used in writing this blog entry, and from which I obtained the quotes used in writing it:
Chess grandmaster refuses to play in Saudi Arabia and will lose two world titles Story by Liam Llewellyn March 27, 2024: •
https://www.msn.com/en-us/sports/other/chess-grandmaster-refuses-to-play-in-saudi-arabia-and-will-lose-two-world-titles/ar-BB1knwJ2
Chess grandmaster refuses to play in Saudi Arabia and will lose two world titles
No comments:
Post a Comment