On June 30, 2025, a delegation from the International University Sports Federation (FISU) arrived in Liaocheng for an on-site inspection of preparations for the 2026 FISU World University Mind Sports. That afternoon, the group paid a visit to Liaocheng Chess Training Base to gain an in-depth look at local chess development.
The delegation consisted of three key officials: Paulo Sivieri, FISU Sports Coordinator; Lukasz Turlej, FISU Chess Technical Chair; and Geert Magerman, FISU Bridge Technical Chair.
Accompanied by local staff, the delegates toured competition and training halls as well as teaching zones, inspected training facilities, and observed young players during their daily practice sessions. Wang Jie, Secretary-General of Liaocheng Chess Association, gave a detailed briefing on the city’s chess development journey, covering regular events and tournaments hosted here. The delegation showed great interest in the city’s annual July 20 Chess Culture Festival marking World Chess Day, and spoke highly of Liaocheng’s remarkable achievements in popularizing chess.
Liaocheng has spared no effort to promote chess among young people in recent years. The city now boasts over 300,000 chess enthusiasts, with the figure rising by 30,000 each year. More than 300 primary and secondary schools offer official chess classes, among which 17 kindergartens and schools have been accredited as National Characteristic Chess Schools.
During the visit, FISU representatives commented that the training base’s professional facilities and thriving chess ecosystem have laid a solid foundation for staging the chess competitions of the upcoming World University Mind Sports Games. They expressed their anticipation to see Liaocheng thrive further through mind sports, and look forward to top university chess players from across the globe gathering in the city to showcase their talent at the Games.
