Triumph Against the Odds: The Uganda Chess Ladies Team Shines at World Chess Olympiad
Chess She Cranes awarded three direct titles by the World Chess Federation (FIDE)
The Uganda Chess Ladies team continues to make headlines following their remarkable performance at the recently concluded 45th World Chess Olympiad in Budapest Hungary. Despite facing significant visa challenges that delayed their participation until the third round, the team demonstrated exceptional resilience and skill. In the final rounds, the team played without opportunities to substitute, due to the illness of one of the players & still secured a commendable top position among the African nations.
Comprising five talented players, the team tackled some of the world’s best with determination. The earlier challenges meant that the team missed the first 2 rounds but joined the event in round three and rallied huge results. Their efforts culminated in significant recognition, as the World Chess Federation through an email to UCF on 04/10/2024 awarded direct titles to three players:
• Sana Omprakash Kayyar received the Women’s FIDE Master (WFM) title.
• Kawuma Patricia and Takali Milly earned the Woman Candidate Master (WCM) title.
This achievement highlights individual excellence and marks a milestone for Ugandan chess on the global stage, igniting celebrations among supporters nationwide.
The Uganda Chess Federation (UCF) continues to actively seek support & better recognition from various government bodies, including the Ministry of Education and Sports and the National Council of Sports, to further reward their efforts. Additionally, they await essential government funding for both quarters one & two, to cover player allowances and celebrate these accomplishments among others.
UCF expresses gratitude for the team’s perseverance and emphasizes the importance of continued governmental and community support for the growth of chess in Uganda. The Ladies’ team was captained by UCF Vice President Otim Isaac Jonathan and trained by Wanderema Paul Ignatius, & it also included reigning national champion WCM Ampaire Shakira and former national champion WFM Ivy Amoko.
Reflecting on their journey, the team members recognized that their experience in Budapest transcended chess; it was a testament to resilience, unity, and self-belief. Their story serves as an inspiration to Uganda, proving that with determination and support, even the greatest challenges can be overcome.
With such achievements, chess continues to rise as a topmost sport in Uganda. We thank you All.
For God and My Country!
Written by
Eng. Mwaka Emmanuel,
President, Uganda Chess Federation
Contact: +256782083657 Mobile/WhatsApp
