Junior chess players from across Namibia recently converged in Windhoek to showcase their skills and passion for the game at the Bank Windhoek 2024 Namibia National Junior Chess Championships.
Held over the weekend of March 9th and 10th, the event exceeded expectations with a record-breaking turnout of over 430 participants, highlighting the growing interest in chess within the country.
Bank Windhoek, a long-time supporter of chess development, has been instrumental in fostering the sport’s growth since 2007.
Ms Jacquiline Pack, Bank Windhoek’s Executive Officer of Marketing and Corporate Communication Services, emphasized the bank’s commitment to nurturing critical thinking and analytical skills through their sponsorship of the championships.
Participants from ten different zones competed passionately, uniting through their shared love for chess.
Goodwill Khoa, President of the Namibia Chess Federation, lauded the event’s success, noting a significant increase in nationwide participation, including representation from Keetmanshoop and Katima Mulilo. Despite the competitive nature of the tournament, Khoa praised the players for their sportsmanship and resilience, emphasizing the positive atmosphere throughout the event.
Looking ahead, Khoa encourages aspiring players to register for their FIDE IDs, which will serve as their player credentials for future tournaments. This move aims to streamline participation and enhance the overall tournament experience for players across Namibia.
The top eight players emerging from the championships will now advance to Swakopmund during the school mid-term break, where they will vie for coveted spots on the National Junior Team.
