Tanzania’s national chess teams will be officially flagged off today ahead of their participation in the 2026 Chess Olympiad in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, where they will compete against players from countries around the world.
The team will be seen off at a ceremony at the National Sports Council (BMT) offices at Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in Dar es Salaam from 3pm, before departing for Uzbekistan on Sunday, September 13.
Chess Tanzania (TACA) Information Officer Mussa Mangula said the ceremony would include the handover of the national flag to the players who will represent Tanzania at the international tournament.
The event will bring together government officials, BMT and TACA leaders, sponsors, chess stakeholders and members of the media.
“Tanzania will participate through the Open and Women’s teams. The players have undergone various preparations, including training, to ensure they are mentally and competitively ready for the tournament,” Mr Mangula said.
The Chess Olympiad, scheduled for September 15 to 27, will provide Tanzanian players with an opportunity to compete at a high international level and measure themselves against some of the world’s strongest chess players.
Mr Mangula said the tournament would also expose Tanzanian players to valuable international experience while providing an opportunity to showcase the growth of chess in the country.
The participation comes as Tanzania seeks to strengthen its presence in international chess, with the national teams expected to use the competition to gain experience that could contribute to the development of the sport at home.
Beyond competition, TACA said the tournament would provide an opportunity to promote Tanzania internationally through sport.
The teams are expected to travel to Samarkand ahead of the opening of the competition to complete their final preparations before the tournament gets underway on September 15.
The Chess Olympiad is one of the world’s major international team chess events, bringing together national teams from across the globe.