The Bank Windhoek 2024 Omaruru Open Chess Championships recently crowned a new champion, Mbitjita Kahuure, at an event hosted by the SI Gobs Secondary School and the Coastal Chess Association.
This year’s Championship witnessed a record-breaking participation of 70 chess players, making it one of the most exciting events in Namibia’s chess calendar.
Players from diverse backgrounds and skill levels converged to test their mettle on the chessboard, creating an electric atmosphere charged with excitement and anticipation.
Kahuure, the newly crowned champion, who has been playing for about 25 years, expressed his satisfaction with the event, noting the significant turnout in the town.
“Chess usually does not get much exposure in small towns. Hence, this is a great initiative which brings together local players,” he remarked.
Despite primarily focusing on coaching other players, Kahuure’s exceptional skills shone through as he claimed the top spot in the competition.
A highlight of the event was the introduction of Digital Game Technology (DGT) E-boards, adding a new dimension to the tournament and the development of chess in Namibia.
Namibia Chess Federation President Goodwill Khoa emphasized the significance of this advancement, stating that the DGT boards provided young players with a thrilling experience while seamlessly recording their moves and games, showing the potential of technology in enhancing the chess experience.
Khoa extended his gratitude to all participants for their passion and dedication to the game, acknowledging the vital role played by the Championship’s main sponsor, Bank Windhoek, in fueling the growth and development of chess in Namibia.
The winners in various categories were recognized for their outstanding performances: as follows
Open Category: Mbitjita Kahuure
Women’s Category: Lutopu Khoa
Junior Open: Pewelago Katsvara
Cadet Open: Lao-Letty Brown
Omaruru Open Best Local: Werner Galant
Next is the National Grand Prix Series with the Open Championship in Rehoboth next weekend. The Namibia Chess Federation encourages all members of the chess community to participate, emphasizing the opportunity for players to obtain an official International Chess Federation FIDE rating.
