Tata Steel calls on activists not to disrupt chess tournament

Activists are staging a protest during the opening of the Tata Steel Chess Tournament in Wijk aan Zee. Tata Steel Netherlands is calling on activists not to disrupt the prestigious international chess event.

We respect everyone’s right to demonstrate and to draw attention to the need for a rapid transition from fossil raw materials to sustainable alternatives. Both the activists and we share the same goal: the transition from coal to a greener, cleaner, and more circular way of producing steel in the IJmond region. This is why our Green Steel plan exists.

We differ in opinion regarding the timeline, and we have spoken with various activist groups about this on several occasions. As far as we are concerned, the dialogue will remain open.

‘Wimbledon of chess’

The Tata Steel Chess Tournament is a world‑famous chess event held annually in January at community center De Moriaan in Wijk aan Zee. This year marks the 88th edition. It is one of the largest and strongest tournaments, featuring top-level players (14 masters and 14 challengers) and attracting more than ten thousand visitors from around the world over the course of two weeks. The tournament has an important place on the international chess calendar, is a household name in the chess world, and is often referred to as the “Wimbledon of chess.”

Boost for the coastal village

What began in 1938 as an employee tournament of the steel company has grown into an international event of global stature. Since 2010, the tournament (formerly Hoogovens and Corus) has been named after Tata Steel. The event ensures that during the usually quiet winter months, chess enthusiasts travel to Wijk aan Zee in January. This gives a boost to the local economy — the original reason the tournament was moved to the coastal village.

We hope that the activists take responsibility and act respectfully, especially toward the hundreds of amateur players, emerging talents, and grandmasters participating in the tournament, as well as the thousands of spectators.