FIDE Deputy Chair Urges Zambia to Host Global Chess Tournaments
The Deputy Chairperson of the International Chess Federation (FIDE), Dana Reizniece-Ozola, has commended Zambia for its impressive growth in chess and encouraged the country to bid for major international tournaments.
During a courtesy visit to the Ministry of Youth, Sport and Arts, Ms Reizniece-Ozola — a Woman Grandmaster and former Latvian Minister of Finance — praised Zambia’s commitment to both competitive and educational chess.
She highlighted the “Chess in Schools” and “Chess in Correctional Facilities” initiatives as transformative programmes that instil discipline, broaden participation and nurture the next generation of players.
“Chess for inmates is close to my heart as it helps instil life skills and discipline. Zambia has shown remarkable progress in promoting chess, and it is worth supporting its aspirations to host international events,” she said.
Minister of Youth, Sport and Arts Hon. Elvis Nkandu, MP, welcomed the high-profile visit, calling it a rare honour from an international sports body. He lauded the Zambia Chess Federation for being one of the most active and compliant sports organisations in the country, noting that the presence of a female grandmaster served as strong inspiration for young girls.
“Educational chess is key to nurturing talent from a young age. If given the opportunity to host an international chess event, we will seize it with both hands, as it also aligns with our tourism promotion agenda,” he said, reaffirming the New Dawn Government’s commitment to sports development under President Hakainde Hichilema.
National Sports Council of Zambia Chief Executive Officer Sombwa Musunsa noted that such visits strengthen collaboration across sports disciplines. Zambia Chess Federation President Lesley Chikuse expressed delight at hosting the FIDE delegation, which included a girls’ tournament at NIPA for players aged 8 to 18, as well as an engagement with inmates to advance the correctional chess programme.
Zambia’s only grandmaster to date is Amon Simutowe, and the Federation hopes that with sustained support, more players — especially women — will reach international prominence.
