NEW DELHI: The Tata Steel Chess Tournament in Wijk aan Zee, the Netherlands, witnessed an unprecedented disruption after climate activists dumped 2,025 kilograms of coal at the main entrance, delaying the opening of one of chess’s most prestigious events. The protest targeted Tata Steel, the tournament’s title sponsor, with demonstrators accusing the company of environmental damage and using the tournament for “sportswashing”.
The action was carried out by Extinction Rebellion Nederland, which blocked access to the venue and unfurled a banner reading, “No Chess on a Dead Planet.” The group said the protest was meant to highlight Tata Steel’s continued reliance on fossil fuels and alleged failure to meet climate-neutral targets. In a statement posted on social media, the activists claimed that Tata Steel is the largest lead emitter in the Netherlands, linking the company’s operations to health risks for children in Wijk aan Zee, including long-term exposure to toxic emissions.Watch:The group further alleged that Tata Steel emits 11.3 megatons of carbon dioxide annually, about eight percent of the Netherlands’ total emissions, and argued that actual emissions exceed official figures. They claimed the societal cost of pollution runs into billions of euros each year and pointed to reduced life expectancy in the local population. Labelling the chess tournament an example of sportswashing, the activists said such sponsorships mask environmental harm while corporate leadership continues to profit. Following the disruption, tournament organisers released a statement acknowledging the right to protest and freedom of expression. However, they emphasised that the Tata Steel Chess Tournament is an international sporting and cultural event that brings together players, visitors and chess fans from across the world. They noted that the tournament has been held annually for 88 editions and is a major winter fixture for the village, involving amateur players, rising talents and elite grandmasters.The organisers also urged all parties to respect the event and ensure it could proceed safely and without further disruption. They confirmed close coordination with local authorities to protect players, spectators, staff and volunteers.
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