The International Chess Federation (FIDE) has announced an initiative for its ChessMom project. The initiative aims to support chess players who are mothers of infants under one year of age for the upcoming 45th Chess Olympiad in Hungary. The Olympiad is scheduled to take place in Budapest from September 10 to 23.
FIDE will recognize the child and the accompanying caregiver as integral parts of the National Official Delegation. Specifically, all expenses will be covered for ten mothers travelling with their infants including those of their accompanying caregivers.
FIDE is inviting national federations, chess clubs and players to apply, including information about a mother and child as well as a letter of concurrence from the national federation stating that a player is part of the national team. Applications close on May 29, 2024.
As the National Chess Championship (Men) continues, 13-year-old Queen’s College student Aditi Joshi created a strong upset when she defeated national player Justino DaSilva in a Sicilian Defence game. In that game, DaSilva made a grievous error on his 19th move when he took a queen pawn that was properly protected.
First of all it is quite unusual for a female to participate in the Men’s National Championship in Guyana. Previously, there was only an Open National Championship because there were hardly any women involved in playing competitive chess. That has now changed and there is likely to be more creative involvement in the Open section of regular tournaments.
The championship continues today at the School of the Nations.
