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Presentation of the FMJD for IVth International Sport Games "Children of Asia"
The presentation of IVth International Sport Games "Children of Asia" has been held in Moscow.
During this presentation the President of the FMJD Vladimir Ptitsyn presented draughts sport and the FMJD.
Here is the the text of his speech. </center>
Dear representatives of Asian countries!
It is my pleasure to greet You on behalf of the World Draughst Federation (FMJD) at the presentation of the IVth "Children of Asia" International Sports Games!
Being the President of the World Draughts Federation, I have an opportunity to briefly introduce You the history of our sport development and its present situation in the Asian region.
World Draughst Federation (FMJD) was founded in 1947 by federations of four countries: France, Netherlands, Belgium, and Switzerland. The main goal of FMJD was regulation of world-level competitions in international draughts among men. As time went by, the FMJD extended its activities: since 1971 the federation has been holding World Championships among women, juniors, youth and cadets. Since 1965 there have been continental tournaments in Europe, Africa, Asia, and America, and since 1967 - world team competitions.
The early 1990s witnessed FMJD taking over 64-cell draughts in order to internationally develop the sport. And from 1993 there have been regular World and European championships among adults and youth (four age categories).
Today, World Draughst Federation is constituted of 56 national federations, including 5 Asian countries: India, Kazakhstan, Mongolia, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan. The Asian Confederation is headed by the President Chimeddorj Bat-Erdene from Mongolia.
Recently FMJD became a member to GAISF (Association of International Sports Federations). The administrative body of FMJD is elected at the General Assembly each four years.
The Republic of Sakha (Yakutia) pays great attention to developing many sports. And draughts is one of the first sports as to its history of development and achieved results. Back in 1996, draughts were listed in the program of the Ist "Children of Asia" International Sports Games. Ever since that, draughts have been one of the foundation stones of the Games. From the first Games, FMJD actively assists draughts competitions.
During all the three "Children of Asia" Games, competitions in draughts have been held in team spirit. In the Ist Games the winner was the team from Mongolia, in the successive Games the winner was the team of the Republic of Sakha (Yakutia).
According to the program, the teams consist of 2 boys and 2 girls not older than 17 years. The competitions are held in round system by FMJD rules. The complete details are put down in the Program of "Children of Asia" International Sports Games.
Now I would like to say a few words about international draughts in the IIIrd Games. Among the participants were 2 champions and 3 prize-winners of the World, 3 champions and 6 prizewinners of Europe, 19 champions and 13 prize-winners of Russian regions. As You can see, the participants were of the highest level
Distinguished representatives of the Asian continent!
In conclusion I am asking You to support the activity of the Republic of Sakha (Yakutia) in holding the IVth "Children of Asia" International Sports Games. As for me, being the President of the World Draughts Federation, I am addressing You personally to inform the heads of sports institutions of Your countries of the existing cooperation with the FMJD, and that they will be most welcome in the World Draughts Federation.
