The global chess community mourns the loss of Casto Abundo, the long-serving and instrumental Executive Director of the Asian Chess Federation (ACF), who passed away at the age of 75. Abundo’s career was not simply defined by titles—International Arbiter since 1978, FIDE Secretary (1988–1990), and ACF Vice-President—but by the sheer, tireless logistical genius he applied to the organization of international chess during its most crucial period of expansion.
For decades, he was the organizational bedrock upon which major international events were built, often working outside the spotlight. His passing marks the end of an era characterized by foundational infrastructure development, particularly in Asia, which he helped transform into a powerhouse of global chess talent.
The Architect of Institutional Strength
Abundo was far more than an administrator; he was a strategic architect. He applied his rigorous technical expertise to events that required massive coordination, including the high-stakes 1992 Chess Olympiad in Manila, the 2000 World Championship, and the 2001 World Cup. These events, managed long before instantaneous digital communication became the norm, were monuments to his organizational prowess. His initiatives within the ACF were groundbreaking, solidifying the institutional structure necessary to support long-term chess development across the continent.
In a period often fraught with political and logistical challenges, Abundo was the unifying force. He possessed a rare ability to harmonize national federations under a shared objective, fostering a culture of mutual respect—a quality essential in the complex world of sports governance.
Working 25 Hours a Day: The Campomanes Era
A significant portion of Abundo’s legacy is inextricably linked to his close working partnership with former FIDE President Florencio Campomanes. Abundo served as FIDE Secretary during Campomanes’ tenure, a time when the federation was aggressively expanding its global footprint. His reflections on this period offer a fascinating, almost bewildering, glimpse into high-stakes international management without modern amenities.
“Sometimes it amazes me when I recall how Campo and I managed the chess world without email or mobile phones. In Campo’s time, we were only four persons in the FIDE office. As Campo would say, we worked 25 hours a day, eight days a week.”
This statement, delivered with characteristic dry wit, underscores the dedication required to run a global organization with rudimentary tools. While today’s chess bureaucracy enjoys instant communication, Abundo represented the generation that laid the groundwork through sheer, relentless manual effort. He understood that organizational controversies often consumed the most time and energy, demanding that one “win the politics to be able to do the work.”
The Bobby Fischer Assignment: Beyond the Technical Manual
Perhaps the most illustrative anecdote concerning Abundo’s unique position in the chess world involves his assignment in 1976. When Campomanes attempted to revive the legendary match between Bobby Fischer and Anatoly Karpov, Abundo was tasked with a singular duty: stay with Fischer for an entire month in the Philippines. This was not a bureaucratic task involving paperwork; it was a deep dive into the unpredictable world of genius management.
Abundo’s duties included: playing racquetball with the former World Champion, swimming with him far into the open seas, accompanying him on long nightly walks discussing complex chess variations, arranging a date with a Filipina national team player, and driving him to President Marcos`s yacht.
The image of the meticulous International Arbiter being pressed into service as a fitness coach, confidant, and chauffeur to one of the most enigmatic figures in sports history provides a stark contrast to his official roles. It reveals the ultimate dedication required for the job: organizing chess wasn`t just about diagrams and pairings; it was about managing people, often eccentric and brilliant ones, at a deeply personal level.
A Lasting Inspiration
Casto Abundo’s contributions extended right up to the end of his life, dedicating time to mentoring the next generation of arbiters. His vision—strengthening the institutional frame rather than just focusing on temporary fixes—guaranteed that chess in Asia would thrive long after his administrative tenure concluded.
His professional and human legacy will continue to inspire those who understand that successful sports organization requires a blend of rigorous technical application, diplomatic skill, and, occasionally, the willingness to play racquetball with a grandmaster.
FIDE and the Asian Chess Federation extend their deepest sympathies to his family and colleagues. His profound impact on the game remains undeniable.
