FIDE World Youth U14, U16 & U18 Championship 2025 officially opens in Durrës, Albania
Durrës became the heart of the global chess community this week as the FIDE World Youth Chess Championship U14–U18 2025 officially commenced in this Albanian coastal city. The grand opening ceremony, held at the Grand Blue Fafa Resort, welcomed hundreds of young players, coaches, and guests from around the world, marking the beginning of two weeks of intense and inspiring competition. Organized by the Albanian Chess Federation (FSHS) in partnership with FIDE, the event stands as one of the most significant sporting gatherings ever hosted in Albania — a milestone that reflects both the nation’s growing presence in international chess and its commitment to developing future generations of players. The ceremony brought together an esteemed lineup of speakers and dignitaries, including Dana Reizniece, Deputy Chair of the FIDE Management Board; Erald Dervishi, President of the Albanian Chess Federation; Eduart Shalsi, Honorary President of the Albanian Chess Federation; Fatos Çerenishti, Board Member of the Albanian Chess Federation; Safije Sadiki Shaini, Deputy Minister of Sports of North Macedonia; and Endri Hoxha, Deputy Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sports of Albania. In his welcoming remarks, Erald Dervishi expressed heartfelt gratitude to FIDE and the European Chess Union (ECU) for their trust and support, emphasizing that this championship marks a new chapter for Albanian chess. “We are starting this year with great ambition,” Dervishi said. “This is the beginning of our main project to develop chess throughout Albania and elevate it to a higher level as quickly as possible.” Representing FIDE, Dana Reizniece praised the organization and hospitality of the Albanian hosts, underlining the importance of youth championships in shaping the future of the sport: “Events like this are not only about winning trophies but about creating friendships, learning discipline, and sharing the universal spirit of chess,” she said. Eduart Shalsi, Honorary President of the Albanian Chess Federation, took the stage to thank FIDE, ECU, and all participating nations for their trust in Albania as a host country, wishing the young players a fair and memorable championship. Fatos Çerenishti also addressed the audience, emphasizing the Federation’s continuous effort to grow chess culture and promote the sport across every region of the country. The ceremony concluded with warm messages from Safije Sadiki Shaini and Endri Hoxha, both highlighting the unifying power of sports and the importance of international cooperation in youth development. As the championship officially begins, excitement fills the halls of the Grand Blue Fafa Resort. Young chess prodigies from across the globe are ready to showcase their talent and determination, turning Durrës into a true global stage for the game of kings. The FIDE World Youth Chess Championship 2025 stands as both a celebration of intellect and an inspiring symbol of Albania’s rising role in world chess, a place where the next generation of champions takes their first moves toward greatness. Written by Kevin Dishani Photos: Albanian Chess Federation (FSHS) Official website: fideworldyouth.achf.org.al/