Chess champs feature future grandmasters
Showcasing their chess skills and techniques, junior players participated in the Bank Windhoek 2024 Namibia National Junior Chess Championships held in the capital last weekend.Displaying the rising interest in chess, the event exceeded the anticipated number of youths participating in the Namibian National Schools Individual Chess Championships (NNSICC) finale, attracting a new record of over 430 participants.
Bank Windhoek’s Executive Officer of Marketing and Corporate Communication Services, Jacquiline Pack, said, that as a partner in empowering the sports code since 2007, the bank has seen the establishment and roll-out of championships across 100 schools countrywide.
“The sponsorship aligns with our commitment to fostering the development of critical thinking and analytical skills. By supporting this initiative, we reinforce our dedication to empowering future generations and paving the way for their success,” she said.
Showcase of brilliance
As the matches unfolded, the players from the ten participating zones were united through sport while competing to showcase their passion.
Namibia Chess Federation president Goodwill Khoa said the event saw a new participation record, with players from Keetmanshoop and Katima Mulilo also included.
“Most of the players were excited to play their first tournament, and they were all well-behaved. It is common to have a few tears after a loss, but players were resilient and played all the rounds,” he said.
Khoa encouraged future participants to register for their FIDE IDs this year, which will act as a player’s card for the tournament. “When participating in any town, you will be issued a FIDE ID. Alternatively, you can register with the Namibia Chess Federation,” he said.
The top eight players now set their sights toward Swakopmund during the school mid-term break to battle for the National Junior Team spot and a chance to represent Namibia internationally.