14 Feb 2026·Source: The Hindu

3 min

Polity & GovernanceNEWS

Grandmaster Salem Saleh: From Dubai Police to Chess Champion

UAE's Salem Saleh balances police duties with world-class chess career.

Grandmaster Salem Saleh, a top-ranked chess player from the UAE, discusses his unique career path, balancing his work with the Dubai Police and his achievements in chess. He highlights the growing popularity of chess in the UAE, attributing it to major tournaments and the efforts of organizers. Saleh also shares his thoughts on young talents emerging from the UAE and his surprise at Gukesh's World Championship win.

Key Facts

Salem Saleh is ranked among the top chess players in the world.

He works with the Dubai Police.

He was in the quality control department.

He ensured safety rules during the pandemic.

He won the Asian Championship in Al Ain in 2015.

He was surprised by Gukesh winning the World title.

UPSC Exam Angles

GS 2 - International Organizations and their role

GS 3 - Sports and related policies

Potential for questions on sports personalities and achievements

In Simple Words

Salem Saleh is a chess grandmaster from the UAE who also works for the Dubai Police. He's really good at chess, but he also makes sure people follow safety rules. Chess is getting more popular in the UAE because they're holding big tournaments there.

India Angle

In India, this is like a police officer also being a famous cricketer. It shows that people can have different talents and jobs. More chess tournaments in India could also make the game more popular, just like in the UAE.

For Instance

Think of it like a doctor who is also a talented musician. They both have different skills, but they can excel in both fields. Similarly, Salem Saleh balances his police work and chess career.

It's inspiring to see someone excel in different fields. It shows that you can pursue your passions and still contribute to society in other ways.

Passion knows no boundaries: Excel in your profession, pursue your dreams.

More Information

Background

Chess has a rich history, evolving from the ancient Indian game of Chaturanga around the 6th century CE. From India, it spread to Persia and subsequently to Europe, undergoing significant modifications in rules and gameplay. The modern form of chess emerged in the 15th century. The establishment of the World Chess Federation (FIDE) in 1924 marked a significant step in standardizing rules and organizing international competitions. FIDE plays a crucial role in regulating chess tournaments, awarding titles like Grandmaster, and promoting the game globally. The title of Grandmaster is awarded to chess players who achieve a certain level of performance based on their FIDE rating. Chess in India has seen a resurgence in recent decades, fueled by the success of players like Viswanathan Anand, a five-time world champion. This has inspired a new generation of Indian chess players and led to increased participation in chess tournaments and coaching programs. The popularity of chess is also boosted by online platforms and digital resources, making the game more accessible to a wider audience.

Latest Developments

The rise of young Indian chess players like Rameshbabu Praggnanandhaa and Dommaraju Gukesh has brought renewed attention to Indian chess. Gukesh's recent victory at the Candidates Tournament has made him the youngest ever challenger for the World Chess Championship, surpassing Garry Kasparov's previous record. This achievement underscores the growing strength of Indian chess on the global stage. Online chess platforms have revolutionized the way chess is played and learned. These platforms offer opportunities for players of all levels to compete, analyze their games, and access educational resources. The COVID-19 pandemic further accelerated the growth of online chess, as many traditional over-the-board tournaments were canceled, leading players to turn to online platforms. FIDE is actively promoting chess in schools and communities worldwide. The Chess in Schools program aims to integrate chess into the educational curriculum, recognizing its cognitive benefits, such as improved problem-solving skills and strategic thinking. This initiative seeks to make chess accessible to children from all backgrounds and foster a lifelong love of the game.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What key facts about Salem Saleh and chess in the UAE are important for the UPSC Prelims exam?

For the UPSC Prelims, remember that Salem Saleh is a highly ranked chess player from the UAE who also works with the Dubai Police. He won the Asian Championship in Al Ain in 2015. Note the growing popularity of chess in the UAE due to tournaments and organizers' efforts.

Exam Tip

Focus on Saleh's unique background and the rise of chess in the UAE. Questions might focus on sports personalities or cultural developments.

2. How has the rise of young chess players like Gukesh impacted the global chess landscape, and what is Salem Saleh's perspective on this?

The rise of young players like Gukesh signals a shift in global chess power, particularly with Gukesh becoming the youngest challenger for the World Chess Championship. Salem Saleh expressed surprise at Gukesh's World Championship win, indicating the unexpected nature of this achievement. This highlights the increasing competitiveness and emerging talent in chess.

Exam Tip

Note the trend of young Indian players excelling in chess. This could be linked to questions on youth development and sports achievements.

3. What is the historical background of chess, and how does the establishment of FIDE relate to its global standardization?

Chess evolved from the ancient Indian game of Chaturanga around the 6th century CE, spreading to Persia and Europe. The modern form emerged in the 15th century. The establishment of the World Chess Federation (FIDE) in 1924 standardized rules and regulations, promoting chess globally.

Exam Tip

Remember the origin and evolution of chess. FIDE's role in standardization is crucial for understanding sports governance.

4. How does Salem Saleh's career path, balancing Dubai Police duties with chess, reflect on public service careers?

Salem Saleh's ability to balance his duties with the Dubai Police and his chess career demonstrates the potential for individuals to excel in both public service and other fields. He worked in the quality control department and ensured safety rules during the pandemic. This highlights the diverse opportunities within public service and the possibility of pursuing personal passions alongside professional responsibilities.

Exam Tip

Consider this as an example of dedication and multitasking, qualities valued in public servants. It can be used in essay questions about work-life balance.

5. What are the key achievements of Salem Saleh that make him a notable figure in the chess world?

Salem Saleh is a top-ranked chess player from the UAE, ranked among the top chess players in the world. He won the Asian Championship in Al Ain in 2015. He was once ranked as high as 44th in the world and is currently World No. 86. His participation in major tournaments and matches against top players like Gukesh and his surprise at Gukesh's win also contribute to his notability.

Exam Tip

Remember his Asian Championship win and high world ranking. These details are useful for objective-type questions.

6. Why is the growing popularity of chess in the UAE significant, and what factors contribute to it?

The growing popularity of chess in the UAE is significant as it reflects a diversification of sporting interests and cultural development. Major tournaments held in the UAE, such as the World Championship match between Magnus Carlsen and Ian Nepomniachtchi in Dubai in 2021, and the efforts of organizers to promote the game have contributed to this rise. This also indicates increasing youth engagement in intellectual pursuits.

Exam Tip

Consider the role of sports events in promoting a country's image and fostering youth engagement. This can be linked to questions on sports governance and cultural diplomacy.

Practice Questions (MCQs)

1. Consider the following statements regarding the World Chess Federation (FIDE): 1. FIDE was established in 1924 and is responsible for standardizing chess rules. 2. FIDE awards the title of Grandmaster to players based on their performance and FIDE rating. 3. FIDE is headquartered in Lausanne, Switzerland. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

A.1 and 2 only
B.2 and 3 only
C.1 and 3 only
D.1, 2 and 3

Show Answer

Answer: D

All three statements are correct. FIDE was indeed established in 1924 and standardizes chess rules. It awards the Grandmaster title based on performance and rating. Its headquarters are in Lausanne, Switzerland. Therefore, option D is the correct answer.

2. Which of the following statements accurately reflects the evolution of chess? A) Chess originated in Europe and spread to Asia. B) The modern form of chess emerged in the 10th century. C) Chaturanga is considered an early predecessor of chess originating in India. D) The World Chess Federation (FIDE) was established in the 18th century.

Show Answer

Answer: C

Option C is correct. Chaturanga, originating in India around the 6th century CE, is considered an early predecessor of chess. Option A is incorrect as chess originated in India and spread to Europe. Option B is incorrect as the modern form of chess emerged in the 15th century. Option D is incorrect as FIDE was established in 1924.

3. What is the primary objective of the 'Chess in Schools' program promoted by FIDE? A) To identify and train elite chess players for international competitions. B) To integrate chess into the educational curriculum to enhance cognitive skills. C) To provide financial assistance to underprivileged chess players. D) To organize chess tournaments for school children.

Show Answer

Answer: B

The primary objective of the 'Chess in Schools' program is to integrate chess into the educational curriculum. This initiative aims to leverage the cognitive benefits of chess, such as improved problem-solving skills and strategic thinking, to enhance students' overall learning experience. Therefore, option B is the correct answer.