Kara Louis and Mahi Shah have been crowned Tanzania’s national chess champions for 2025, following a highly competitive tournament that concluded last night at the Russian Cultural Centre in Dar es Salaam.
Louis claimed the men’s title after scoring 7.5 points. He was closely followed by Misamba Kilasa, who earned 7 points, while Lusako Shedrack secured third place with 6.5 points.
In the women’s category, Mahi Shah delivered a commanding performance, finishing with a perfect 9 points to take the top position.
Lissa Siya followed in second place with 8 points, while Anahi Shah completed the podium with 6.5 points.
Speaking after the tournament, Nurdin Hassuji, Secretary-General of the Tanzania Chess Association (TACA), expressed gratitude for the successful conclusion of the championship and praised the level of competition.
“We thank God the tournament ended smoothly. We now have our national champions for 2025. Looking ahead, our priority is to promote the growth of chess across all regions of Tanzania,” said Hassuji.
He noted that chess activities are currently concentrated in Dar es Salaam and called on regional stakeholders to collaborate with the association in organizing local tournaments.
“TACA is committed to supporting regional efforts by providing equipment and seeking sponsors to help make such events possible,” he added.
Champion Kara Louis credited his victory to dedication, resilience, and consistent training.“I’ve been chasing this title for a long time. I didn’t win in previous attempts, but I never gave up. I kept practicing, stayed focused, and now I’ve finally succeeded. This win motivates me to train even harder to defend my title and excel in future competitions,” said Louis.
Mahi Shah, who dominated the women’s division, expressed excitement over her triumph and used the moment to encourage more female participation in the sport.
“Winning this championship means a lot to me. Chess is a beautiful and challenging game, and I’d like to see more women and girls getting involved. We need greater female representation to build a stronger, more competitive environment,” she said.
The 2025 National Chess Championship has not only celebrated individual talent but also emphasized the need to expand the sport beyond urban centers.
With new champions in place, TACA is aiming to use the momentum to foster a nationwide chess culture and uncover the next generation of champions.