The National Chess Championship has officially begun in Dar es Salaam, drawing players from across the country in a decisive contest to select Tanzania’s representatives for the upcoming Chess Olympiad set for September in Uzbekistan.
The three-day tournament, which started on May 1 and ends on May 3, is expected to produce a strong national squad comprising top performers from both the men’s and women’s categories.
Speaking at the opening, Tanzania Chess Association (TACA) Information Officer Mussa Mangula said this year’s championship goes beyond the usual race for national titles, serving as a critical pathway for assembling a competitive national team.
He said 44 male players and 12 female players are taking part in the competition, noting a modest but encouraging rise in women’s participation compared to previous editions.
However, he emphasised the need for continued efforts to attract more female players into the sport.
“This championship is part of a structured process to identify the best talent in the country. We will form both men’s and women’s national teams, each made up of five players, including a captain,” Mangula said.
Players have entered the tournament with high expectations, aware of the opportunity to compete on the international stage.
Participant Simon Kilimba said he is prepared for the challenge despite the stiff competition.
“The level is high, but I have trained well. My focus is to perform strongly and earn a place on the national team,” he said.
Female player Neema Michael welcomed the growing interest in the tournament and urged more women to engage in chess, describing it as a powerful tool for building analytical thinking and decision-making skills.
“Chess is more than a game. It sharpens the mind and builds confidence. I encourage more women to step forward and participate,” she said.
Coach Hellen Stima from Mbeya, who is attending with a team of five players, said the competition is intense due to the presence of experienced contenders, but expressed optimism about her team’s prospects.
“We are still developing the game in Mbeya, but our players are committed and improving. We believe one of them can break through and represent the country internationally,” she said.
The championship highlights Tanzania’s growing commitment to developing chess, as stakeholders focus on nurturing talent and increasing participation to strengthen the country’s competitiveness on the global stage.
