Hetman GKS Katowice Chess Club, a nine-time Polish Team Chess Champion, hereby expresses its strong protest against the conduct of Mr. Vladimir Kramnik, former World Chess Champion, towards our leading player, Grandmaster David Navara, who has represented our club with distinction for over twenty years.
Any direct or indirect insinuation that a player supports or engages in chess activity in violation of fair play principles constitutes a grave accusation that should never be made lightly. Casting aspersions on the integrity of a player’s games without providing concrete evidence or substantiated arguments is a reprehensible act, causing unjust harm to the individual concerned and to the broader chess community.
The act of initiating legal proceedings for the alleged violation of personal rights in a matter that one has oneself instigated is deserving of the utmost condemnation — particularly when such actions are undertaken by a former World Chess Champion, who should exemplify the highest standards of responsibility and integrity in the sport.
Grandmaster David Navara is an outstanding individual and an extraordinary chess player. Among fans and fellow grandmasters alike, he is universally recognized as a paragon of moral and ethical conduct.
Hetman GKS Katowice Chess Club stands firmly behind Grandmaster David Navara, and will continue to support him — both in his professional chess career and in any other forum where he may be compelled to defend his good name and principles against unjust allegations.