Janek Mäggi elected President of the World Draughts Federation (FMJD)

Yesterday in Antalya, Turkey, the Estonian Draughts Federation Vice President Janek Mäggi was elected President of the World Draughts Federation (FMJD) for a four-year term. Mäggi previously served as FMJD President from 2017 to 2021.

“This is a major victory and means a great deal for Estonian draughts,” said Tarmo Tulva, President of the Estonian Draughts Federation. “The result, achieved late last night — with Janek receiving the support of 27 countries worldwide, while the opposing candidate, Latvian Draughts Federation President Vladislavs Vesperis, received 15 votes — was highly convincing. Behind this success lies years of dedicated work and exceptional international cooperation, with countries from Asia, Africa, both Americas, and of course Europe, standing behind Estonia. Today Janek is the only Estonian leading a global sports federation.”

“My heartfelt thanks go to everyone who has supported Estonian draughts — together we have achieved a great deal,” said Janek Mäggi, President of the World Draughts Federation. “I believe it is a great honour for Estonia that we have been entrusted with leading the world of draughts. Personally, I am deeply grateful to the Estonian state, the City of Tallinn, the Estonian Olympic Committee, and all sponsors who have supported this work for many years. Estonia has hosted dozens of championship tournaments, including two World Championships and two European Championships. Our work continues, and Estonian draughts will keep moving forward.”

Janek Mäggi has been a member of the board of the Estonian Draughts Federation since 1999 and served as its President from 1999 to 2015. From 2007 to 2017 he was President of the European Draughts Confederation (EDC), and from 2017 to 2021 — and again as of yesterday — he is President of the World Draughts Federation (FMJD) (www.fmjd.org ). The FMJD unites 74 member countries worldwide.