Marc’Andria Maurizzi and Yosha Iglesias win 2025 French Championship
Marc’Andria Maurizzi and Yosha Iglesias are the new chess champions of France, both claiming their maiden national titles. The 2025 French Championship took place from August 15–24 in Vichy and featured 16-player knockout competitions in the open and women’s sections, as well as several side Swiss tournaments. In the main events, ties after two classical games were resolved by a 2-game rapid match (15+10), followed if necessary by a 2-game blitz (5+3) and an Armageddon (5 vs 4). The event attracted France’s top players, with the exception of Alireza Firouzja and Maxime Vachier-Lagrave, who were competing in the 2025 Sinquefield Cup. The open final pitted the youngest participant, Marc’Andria Maurizzi, against the previous year’s runner-up, Laurent Fressinet. Maurizzi confidently advanced through the Round of 16 and quarterfinals, defeating Christian Bauer and Timothé Razafindratsima, respectively. He then faced the experienced Étienne Bacrot in the semifinals, prevailing in a rapid tiebreak to secure his spot in the final. Fressinet’s path was more difficult. After defeating Marie Sebag in the Round of 16, he came close to elimination in the quarterfinals but snatched victory from Yannick Gozzoli in an Armageddon decider. His semifinal was more straightforward, as Laurent cruised past Sébastien Mazé. As many expected, the final was a tense battle. After three consecutive draws (two classical and one rapid), the 18-year-old Maurizzi took control in the fourth game and clinched the title. Bacrot secured the bronze medal by defeating Mazé. The women’s championship was equally exciting. Eventual winner Yosha Iglesias scraped through into the quarterfinals after edging out Marie Leconte but faced fewer obstacles in the later stages. In the final she played Mitra Hejazipour, who had successively eliminated Cyrielle Monpeurt, Andreea Navrotescu, and defending champion Deimantė Daulytė-Cornette. Unlike the open final, no tiebreak was needed. After a draw in the first classical game, Iglesias (pictured above) won the second to capture gold. Anastasia Savina claimed bronze by defeating Daulytė-Cornette in a tiebreak. Photos: FFE / Nathalie Daubry Official website: vichy2025.ffechecs.org/
23rd European Union Youth Championship reaches midpoint
The 2025 EU Youth Chess Championship has passed the halfway mark, with participants demonstrating fierce, uncompromising chess and a very high level of play. After five exciting rounds, the category leaders are: U8: Lev Jevglevski (EST) with a perfect 5/5 U10: Simon Perouin (FRA), also with a perfect 5/5 U12: Alexandru-Daniel Pasca (ROU) with 4.5 points U14: FM Vlad Petroff (ROU) with 4.0 points To celebrate the many combative and excellent games, the organizers are awarding a daily prize for the best game in each category. So far, the following players have received a best-game prize: Wojciech Szlendak (POL), Simon Perouin (FRA), Ivan Menkov (CZE), Simon Matejka (SVK), Nicholas Josephides (CYP), Stefan Grigorescu (ROU), Nikodem Cieslar (POL), Boris Pogorelskiy (CZE), David-Christian Talaba (ROU), Thomas Lobina (FRA), Iris Hamernikova (CZE), Edward Bundan (GER), Romeo Brentegani (FRA), Pavel Hlavacek (CZE), Lukas Janovicek (SVK), Andrii Diachek (POL), Romero Antonio Landeros (CZE), Matelo Vinet (FRA), Stella Maesepp (EST), and Tobias Komarek (CZE). The additional program began on Thursday, August 21, with a simul conducted by FM Josef Kratochvil. Eighteen young championship participants, playing with 30 minutes on their clocks against the FM’s 60 minutes, achieved a surprising 11-7 victory, with time proving to be the decisive factor. A blitz tournament was held on Saturday, August 23, attracting 12 players from four countries, including EUYCC participants, coaches, and parents. FM Josef Kratochvil (CZE) won the event with 10.0/11 points, finishing ahead of Olga Debowska (POL, 9.5 points) and Anna Hrckova (CZE, 9.0 points). All winners received prizes. Beyond chess, participants are enjoying the resort’s wellness center and playground, as well as the beautiful natural surroundings. All results are available HERE Written by Zdenek Fiala, director Sachovy klub Svetla nad Sazavou Photos: Official website Official website: chess.cz/mistrovstvi-evropske-unie/
World Youth Chess Olympiad U-16 concludes in Barranquilla, Colombia
The city of Barranquilla has written a new chapter in the history of international chess. From August 16 to 23, 2025, the Colombian Caribbean capital became the heart of the chess world, hosting the U-16 World Youth Chess Olympiad—an unforgettable event that brought together more than 45 delegations from five continents. For eight days, the playing hall was filled with strategy, talent, and dreams. The ticking of clocks, the silence of concentration, and the emotions of every move transformed Barranquilla into a true temple of youth chess. Team rankings – champions crowned After nine rounds of fierce battles, camaraderie, and resilience, the final standings crowned the world’s best youth teams: FIDE 1 – Absolute Champion, with a flawless record of 9 victories in 9 rounds. Uzbekistan – Runner-up, with 7 wins and 2 draws. Kazakhstan 2 – Third place, with 7 wins and 2 losses. The top-seeded FIDE 1 team dominated the competition, securing gold with a round to spare. Uzbekistan affirmed its status as a new powerhouse of youth chess, while Kazakhstan showed that its young generation is ready to compete at the highest level. Individual brilliance – board winners The Olympiad also shone a spotlight on individual talents dominating their boards: Board 1 medalists: 1 place – GM Ivan Zemlyanskii (FIDE 1) – 7.5/9 2 place – IM Mukhammadzo Suyarov (Uzbekistan) – 7/9 3 place – IM Sauat Nurgaliyev (Kazakhstan 1) – 7/9 Board 2 medalists: 1 place – GM Savva Vetokhin (FIDE 1) – 8/9 2 place – IM Khumoyun Begmuratov (Uzbekistan) – 7/9 3 place – Matvei Savelev (FIDE 2) – 7/9 Board 3 medalists: 1 place – GM Artem Uskov (FIDE 1) – 8/9 2 place – FM Alan Petukhov (Kazakhstan 1) – 8/9 3 place – IM A.R. Ilamparthi (India) – 7/8 Board 4 medalists: 1 place – CM Prathamesh Sherla (India) – 8/9 2 place – WIM Jinela Rodríguez Rivero (Cuba 1) – 8/9 3 place – WGM Anna Shukhman (FIDE 1) – 7/9 The Olympiad was more than a sporting competition—it was a celebration of diversity, unity, and cultural exchange. Players of different languages, religions, and traditions sat across from one another, proving that on the 64 squares, everyone speaks the same language: the language of chess. Barranquilla, with its warmth and hospitality, embraced every delegation as family. It became a place where new friendships were born, dreams were nurtured, and the spirit of fair play shone brightly. Closing ceremony to remember The closing ceremony blended sport, art, and culture in an unforgettable evening. Champions were honored in the presence of distinguished guests, including: Daniel Trujillo, Secretary of Sports, Mayor’s Office of Barranquilla Akaki Iashvili, FIDE Special Tasks Director Weymar Fernando Muñoz, President of the Colombian Chess Federation Erick Hernández, representative of the Chess Confederation of the Americas (CCA) Eduardo de la Rosa, Governor of Atlántico The legendary Banda de Baranoa brought the evening to life with vibrant rhythms and a spectacular performance that filled the hall with joy, music, and color. Delegations clapped, danced, and celebrated together, closing the Olympiad not as rivals, but as one global family. The Colombian Chess Federation expresses its deep gratitude to all delegations, federations, organizers, and sponsors who made this world-class event possible. Thanks to their commitment, Colombia has shown itself not only as a chess-loving nation, but also as a country capable of hosting events of global excellence. This Olympiad produced more than champions—it created memories, friendships, and inspiration. It proved that chess is not confined to the board: it is a school of life, a bridge between cultures, and a path toward a brighter future for youth. Barranquilla bids farewell with pride and joy, crowned the World Capital of Youth Chess 2025. The pieces are now at rest, but the spirit of this Olympiad will remain alive in every child who dared to dream, compete, and win—not just on the board, but in life. Photos: Federación Colombiana de Ajedrez Official website: youtholympiad2025.fide.com/
Future of chess and clash of generations at Grand Swiss 2025 in Samarkand
While the eyes of the chess world are usually on the favourites, a new generation of players is coming up through the ranks and they will be looking to shake things up at the Grand Swiss in Samarkand. The fourth edition of the strongest ever Swiss System tournament in chess – the FIDE Grand Swiss – is set to take place in Samarkand, Uzbekistan at the start of September. Many of the best players in the world will be there, competing in one of the most prestigious events on the chess calendar. Among them, a cohort of prodigious youngsters in their early teens, brought up to become chess champions and set new world records for the ancient game. While many of them are already widely known, some are yet to stand out on the global chess scene. The lowering age of success bar in chess In 1958, when Bobby Fischer became a Grandmaster at 15 years and six months—already the U.S. Champion at the time—it made headlines around the world. The New York Times reported that this made Fischer a member of the “most exclusive chess fraternity in the world”. As years went by, the age bar continued to go lower: Judit Polgar beat Fischer’s record by two months in 1991, also becoming the first woman to set the new record; then came Ruslan Ponomariov at 14 years and 17 days; Karjakin followed at 12 and seven months; and then in 2021 Abhimanyu Mishra set the current record at 12 years and four months. In nearly 50 years, the threshold has dropped from 15 to just 12. But there are also other records set by youngsters. Turkiye’s Yagız Kaan Erdogmuş became the youngest-ever player to surpass a 2600 rating in 2024, before turning 13. And, of course, the crown of success – Gukesh D became the World Champion at the age of just 18, having previously become the youngest player ever (at the age of just 17) to cross the FIDE rating of 2750. Most recently, Britain’s Bodhana Sivanandan (10) became the youngest girl ever to defeat a Grandmaster and achieve the WIM title. Also, in the United States, 10-year-old Keya Iha defeated a GM in the final round of the Joe Yun Memorial. With the age of mastery and success dropping with every generation, chess is clearly becoming a young person’s game. Early starts, more family and state support, dedication and planning, as well as computers – are to credit for this trend. The forthcoming Grand Swiss in Samarkand is the next battleground where the youthful energy will test and be tested by experience, and the clash of generations will bring new surprises to the chess world. The rising stars to look out for in Samarkand The Open Volodar Murzin (2678) Photo: Michal Walusza Born in 2006 in Nizhny Tagil, Murzin’s became a Grandmaster in 2022, just five years since becoming a FIDE Master. He caught global attention last December when he won the World Rapid Championship in New York with 10/13, defeating seasoned players such as Caruana, Nakamura and Duda. The 19-year-old is currently ranked 46th in the world. Raunak Sadhwani (2676) Photo: Michal Walusza The Indian prodigy has for years been present at the top of the chess world that it’s easy to overlook the fact that he is just 19. The youngster from Nagpur in India became a GM at the age of 13. He won the Commonwealth Championship in the U-10 group in 2015 and was part of India’s bronze team at the 44th Chess Olympiad. A confident and polite player, Sadhwani is a regular at world-class events, always lurking around the top. Jonas Buhl Bjerre (2655) Photo: Maria Emelianova The 21-year-old Danish GM is gradually making his way to the top of the chess world. His greatest successes so far include winning the gold medal at the 2017 European Youth Chess Championships and finishing third at the Tata Steel Chess Tournament 2022 Challengers group. A versatile player, he has several strong tournaments under his belt and has played almost every top player in the world in recent years. Ediz Gürel (2652) Photo: Mark Livshitz The second youngest Turkish GM (at just 14), Gurel has caught the attention of the chess world on several recent occasions. In 2024, he won the Challengers section of the Prague Chess Festival without a single loss, and his ELO has had a steady upward rise in recent years. With a rating of 2652 at just 16 years of age, Gürel is a player whose star is rapidly ascending. Yağız Kaan Erdoğmuş (2642) Photo: Michal Walusza Even though he’s only 14, Erdoğmuş already has two spectacular records under his belt: in 2024 he became a GM at the age of 12 years and 10 months (the fourth youngest ever), while that same year he became the youngest player to cross the 2600 ELO mark. With appearances at several notable tournaments (Sitges, Grenke, TePe Sigeman) he is on a fast track to becoming one of the top players in the world. This July, he beat Peter Svidler 4–2 in the “Clash of Generations” match, a result that propelled him into the world’s Top 100, the second-youngest ever after Judit Polgar. Abhimanyu Mishra (2610) Photo: Anna Shtourman Another record-setter, Mishra is the youngest person ever to become Grandmaster. He was awarded the title in 2021, at the age of 12 years, four months and 25 days. His previous record was to become the youngest International Master ever (10 years and nine months). Most recently, he finished in shared 2-3rd place in the US Juniors Championship. Mishra is yet to achieve a grand success in a big international tournament, and he will be looking for a chance at the Grand Swiss in Samarkand. Marc’Andria Maurizzi (2604) Photo: Michal Walusza Another youngster, 18-year-old Maurizzi became the youngest French GM in 2021, at the age of 14. Two years before, in 2019, he won the French junior championship for players under 12 years old.
23rd EU Youth Championship begins in Roznov pod Radhostem, Czech Republic
On Tuesday, August 19, the 23rd European Union Youth Chess Championship (U8, U10, U12, U14) began at the Hotel Energetic in Rožnov pod Radhoštěm, Czech Republic. Following the success of previous editions, the 2025 European Union Youth Chess Championship is once again organized under the patronage of the European Chess Union by Šachový klub Světlá nad Sázavou in cooperation with the Czech Chess Federation, with support from the Zlín Region. Boys and girls in each age group compete together in a nine-round Swiss tournament with classical time control but are ranked separately. All games are being broadcast live online. The 2025 edition has set a new participation record, with 127 players from 16 ECU federations. The top-seeded player is Poland’s Andrii Diachek (2223), who leads the U14 category. The top-seeded girl is also from Poland, Lila Rząd kowska (1964), headlining the U12 girls’ section. For parents and chess fans, the organizers have prepared a variety of chess and non-chess activities. Participants can also take advantage of the hotel’s facilities for relaxation and recreation. Rožnov and its mountainous surroundings are well known for sports opportunities, and many players will enjoy visiting the Wallachian Open Air Museum—the largest of its kind in Central Europe. On Wednesday, August 27, eight new EU champions will be crowned. The winners in each category will receive laptops, while the second- and third-place finishers will be awarded digital chess clocks. All participants will receive diplomas, medals, and a T-shirt featuring the championship logo. Written by Zdenek Fiala, director Sachovy klub Svetla nad Sazavou Photos: Official website Official website: chess.cz/mistrovstvi-evropske-unie/ All results are available HERE Live broadcast: HTML: U14, U12, U10, U8 Lichess: U14, U12, U10, U8, All
Asian and Americas Chess Federations sign Memorandum of Understanding
The Asian Chess Federation and the Confederation of Chess for the Americas have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to strengthen collaboration in the field of chess activities. The agreement was signed on August 18, 2025, in Barranquilla, Colombia, by President of the Confederation of Chess for the Americas Jose Carrillo Pujol, and General Secretary of the Asian Chess Federation Hisham Al Taher. The Memorandum sets out a framework for joint initiatives in player training, coach education, exchange programs, research, and the promotion of chess among young people. Both federations will work together to develop school chess projects, youth festivals, and professional training opportunities, while also sharing expertise in curriculum design, sports management, and infrastructure. Speaking at the signing ceremony, FIDE President Arkady Dvorkovich underlined the importance of this collaboration: “I always thought from the start of my service that this horizontal type of collaboration is critically important. It is not that it can be done top to the bottom. There should be activities and initiatives both planned and implemented at the horizontal level between individual federations, between zone federations, and between continental federations…I am happy to see that you are signing this agreement and I look forward to the results.” Under the agreement, each side will facilitate exchanges of players, coaches, officials, and administrators, as well as cooperate on the creation of teaching materials and development programs. The two federations also plan to collaborate on research and innovation in chess training and education. The Memorandum will remain in effect for three years, with the possibility of renewal.
World Youth Chess Olympiad U-16: Multiple leaders after two rounds
The city of Barranquilla is buzzing with excitement as it hosts the World Youth Chess Olympiad U-16, bringing together teams from more than 45 countries. After the second round, the standings are beginning to reveal the teams showing the strongest performances in this prestigious event. Round 2 highlights After two rounds of play, several teams are leading the standings: Kazakhstan 1 and Kazakhstan 2, demonstrating remarkable consistency across all boards. Georgia and Canada, who continue their winning streak with back-to-back victories. India, FIDE 1, FIDE 2, Cuba 1, Cuba 2, China, Uzbekistan, Paraguay, Peru 1 and four Colombian teams all completing the group of undefeated teams with excellent results. All of these squads have scored two victories in their opening matches, achieving a perfect 4/4. Featured match One of the most talked-about games of the day was the clash between Woman Grandmaster (WGM) Anna Shukman (FIDE) and Peruvian rising star Achatada Mandujano. The duel was fiercely contested and ended in a draw, showcasing the high level of competition. Latin American and Colombian presence The Colombian teams have delivered noteworthy performances, with several squads positioned in the upper half of the standings. Colombia 1, Colombia 2, Colombia 7, and Colombia 13 have all posted solid results, keeping their hopes alive against delegations with strong international reputations. In addition, teams from Paraguay, Peru, Brazil, and Cuba, along with Italy, have scored valuable points to remain competitive in the tournament. Inspiring event The Olympiad is not only a sporting competition but also a cultural and social gathering, strengthening bonds of friendship among nations. Barranquilla is consolidating its place as a global hub of youth chess, hosting some of the brightest talents of the next generation. With every round, anticipation builds over which country will emerge victorious—where the talent, discipline, and passion of young chess players take center stage. FIDE President Arkady Dvorkovich attended the event and made the first ceremonial move in the match between Georgia and the FIDE teams. “I hope at some point we will have the Chess Olympiad in the Americas—not U-16, but the main one. It is our ambition for the future. It is not an easy task, but it is achievable. Having more events here allows local players to improve their skills and gain valuable experience. This competition offers a great opportunity for the younger generation to grow, not only from ‘traditional’ chess countries but also from smaller ones in the Caribbean region. It is a very good sign.” Live Broadcast Renowned Grandmaster and commentator Pepe Cuenca is leading the live coverage of the games, bringing his dynamic and charismatic style that has become a hallmark in the chess world. Fans can follow the most exciting matches with live commentary on the YouTube channel of the Colombian Chess Federation (FECODAZ). All updated results are available HERE. Photos: Federación Colombiana de Ajedrez Official website: youtholympiad2025.fide.com/
FIDE opens bidding process for the 2030 Chess Olympiad
The International Chess Federation (FIDE) has officially opened the bidding process for the FIDE Chess Olympiad 2030, the largest team competition on the chess calendar. This global event, lasting 15 days (including arrivals and departures), brings together thousands of players and fans from across the world. At the most recent Olympiad in Budapest, Hungary, 188 federations registered teams in the Open section and 169 federations in the Women’s section, reflecting the truly universal character of the event. Events to be organised Alongside the main competition, two additional key events will be held under the umbrella of the Olympiad: FIDE Chess Olympiad 2030 – Competition for People with Disabilities (organisers must be ready to host at least 100 teams) FIDE Congress 2030 The selected organiser will be responsible for hosting all three events and providing a proposal that ensures the maximum possible number of teams can be accommodated. With FIDE now uniting more than 200 federations — and expanding each year — the scale and importance of the FIDE Chess Olympiad continue to grow with every edition. Regulations The official regulations for both Olympiad competitions will be approved no later than 30 September 2025 and will follow the structure of the 2028 FIDE Chess Olympiad Regulations in all important aspects: FIDE Chess Olympiad 2028 – Main Competition Regulations (PDF) FIDE Chess Olympiad 2028 – Competition for People with Disabilities Regulations (PDF) The requirements for hosting the FIDE Congress may be found here: FIDE Congress Regulations. Who Can Bid? Any FIDE member federation or organiser approved by a national federation is eligible to apply. Bidders proposing to host additional FIDE events alongside the Olympiad will be given priority. Expression of Interest and Bidding Process Expression of Interest: Non-binding letters of interest should be submitted to office@fide.com no later than 30 January 2026, 18:00 CET. Formal Bid: Complete bidding applications must be submitted to office@fide.com by 15 April 2026, 18:00 CET. Applications must follow the form provided in the approved regulations and include all required documents. The full responsibilities of the organiser, including financial obligations, will be defined in the regulations and any additional conditions. The final decision on the host city will be made by the FIDE General Assembly held during the next FIDE Chess Olympiad in September 2026 in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, which will award the organisation rights to the applicant receiving the highest number of votes.
FIDE Executive Director Victor Bologan promotes chess across the Americas
FIDE Executive Director, GM Victor Bologan, has completed an official tour of several countries in the Americas, focusing on the promotion of social chess, chess in multi-sport events, chess in education, youth development, and the strengthening of national chess federations. Panama City, Panama (August 8–9) In Panama, Bologan met with Luis Esquivel, President of the Panama Chess Federation. He also delivered a masterclass for the country’s most promising young players at the local club Proyecto 64, highlighting the importance of nurturing youth talent. Asunción, Paraguay (August 10) In Paraguay’s capital, Bologan held key meetings with sports leaders including Mario Moccia (President, Argentine NOC), Damaris Young (President, Panamanian NOC), Camilo Pérez (President, Paraguayan NOC), and Neven Ilić (President, Panam Sports). Discussions centered on the inclusion of chess in the Pan American Games 2027 in Peru. He also met with Paraguayan Chess Federation President Victor González Gauto and its board members. FIDE expressed its gratitude to CCA President José Carrillo Pujol for his organizational support and active participation in all meetings. Lima, Peru (August 11–12) In Peru, Bologan met with Federico Tong, President of the Instituto de Deporte de Perú, to secure support for chess’s potential inclusion in the Pan American Games. He also conducted a masterclass for Peru’s top young chess players, reaffirming FIDE’s committment to youth development. Guayaquil, Ecuador (August 13–15) In Ecuador, Victor Bologan had a meeting with Francisco Morán Peña, Rector of the University of Guayaquil and a strong supporter of chess. FIDE Executive Director also met Felipe Delgado, President of the Ecuadorian Chess Federation, and José David Jiménez Vásquez, Minister of Sports, to discuss solutions for internal legal challenges and long-term development of Ecuadorian chess. Highlights in Ecuador included a 24-board simul against the country’s youth champions (final score: 22.5–1.5), and a visit to the chess center in Durán, Guayas Province. This center runs a remarkable program across 26 municipalities, providing free chess access to over 1,000 students. FIDE extends special thanks to WGM Martha Fierro for her invaluable efforts in organizing all events in Ecuador. Reflecting on his tour, Victor Bologan said: “Chess is not only a sport but also a powerful educational and social tool. Across the Americas, I was impressed by the energy and commitment of our partners to bring chess into schools, communities, and multi-sport platforms. With such dedication, the future of chess in the region looks very bright.”
Inspiring initiatives in South Africa and Zambia – Women’s Marathon Week 2
From South Africa to Zambia, the second week of the Women’s Chess Marathon has highlighted the passion and progress of women in chess across Africa. As part of FIDE’s Social Year of Chess, August is dedicated to Women in Chess – a global celebration of achievements and an inspiration for the next generation. The centerpiece of this month is the Women’s Chess Marathon, a worldwide initiative of the FIDE Commission for Women’s Chess (WOM), with activities held across all continents. During the second week of the Marathon, the spotlight turned to Africa, where vibrant events in South Africa and Zambia showcased the power of chess to connect, empower, and uplift women and girls. A special guest at both events was WGM Dana Reizniece, Deputy Chair of the FIDE Management Board, who brought her experience, warmth, and encouragement to participants. South Africa: Queen’s Chess Training Workshop & Community Activities In South Africa, the Queen’s Chess Training Workshop was hosted at Club Mykonos Resort in Langebaan, organised in partnership with the South African Chess Federation under the leadership of its President, Andre Lewaks. The workshop brought together talented women players for two days of intensive training. Participants explored strategies for defeating stronger opponents, deepened their understanding of middlegame planning, sharpened tactical calculation, and honed practical tournament skills, while also recognizing the importance of mental and physical stamina. The training was led by FT Eric Takawira, FI Reuben Salimu, and Nadzeya Krauchuk, and of course by WGM Dana Reizniece, whose opening talk “Making it in Chess” set the tone for the event. “They have learned that studying chess is super good, but not enough. Physical fitness, healthy food and good sleep – it all counts,” Dana later wrote, after sharing a morning run before chess classes with the girls. Beyond the workshop, activities extended to the community. Dana led a simultaneous exhibition at Louwville High School, describing the children as “eager for every little tip they can get.” The program also featured a Women’s Month Blitz Tournament, blending passion, competition, and camaraderie. Notably, three women players recently earned new national titles—a milestone celebrated as proof of the growing strength of women’s chess in South Africa. Chess Trainings with Salome Melia Alongside the Queen’s Chess Training Workshop, South Africa has also been benefiting from a longer-term initiative led by IM/WGM Salome Melia, organised in partnership with the South African Chess Federation. Over 35 girls are taking part in weekly online training sessions, complemented by offline events, a special visit, and a dedicated safeguard seminar. The programme provides consistent, high-level guidance while ensuring a safe and supportive environment for all participants. This sustained training ensures that the impact of Women’s Chess Month extends well beyond August, creating lasting opportunities for young talents in South Africa. Zambia: Rapid Women’s Chess Championship Just days later, the focus shifted to Zambia, where the Zambia Rapid Women’s Chess Championship attracted 88 female players – the largest number ever to compete in a women’s chess championship in the country. “For the first time, Zambia gathered so many women players in a chess event,” Dana Reizniece shared on her social media. The championship, organised by the Chess Federation of Zambia in collaboration with WOM, was not only a competition but also a celebration of community. Participants had the chance to hear directly from Dana, who encouraged them to aim higher in chess and in life. Her motivational talk, combined with the energy of the event, left a lasting impression on the players. Why these events matter The Women’s Chess Marathon is more than a series of tournaments and workshops. It creates safe, inspiring spaces where girls and women can: Build confidence by gaining practical chess knowledge and skills Feel supported as part of a global community of women in chess Find role models who show that success in chess and beyond is possible Celebrate together, strengthening the bond between competitive drive and shared experience Such initiatives encourage girls to dream bigger, work harder, and recognize that chess can open doors not only to competitive success but also to personal growth. Looking ahead With the Women’s Chess Marathon continuing through August – reaching Asia, Australia, and Europe in the weeks ahead – the message is clear: women belong in chess, and their potential is limitless. The events in South Africa and Zambia stand as powerful examples of how targeted initiatives, strong partnerships, and inspiring role models can change lives – even in just a couple of days. They embody the mission of the FIDE Commission for Women’s Chess: to grow participation, create opportunities, and ensure that every girl with a love for the game knows she has a place at the board. FIDE and WOM thank the South African Chess Federation, the Chess Federation of Zambia, and all organisers, coaches, and participants for their dedication to making these events a success. The #WomensChessMarathon continues.