2025 FIDE World School Chess Championship
The 2025 FIDE World School Chess Championship in Vrnjačka Banja has concluded, bringing together 470 young players from 43 federations in a thrilling competition. Kazakhstan emerged as the most successful nation, winning four gold, three silver, and one bronze medal across twelve tournaments in six age categories.
The event which ran from 19th to 29th March 2025 in Vrnjačka Banja, Serbia saw large contingent of 25 top Kenyan players taking part in this prestigious event. They had been selected from the highly competitive Kenya National Schools Chess Championship 2024, held in August 2024 at Nakuru High School.
Sadly none got any medals but they came back with valuable experience.
The team was sponsored by the Ministry of Youth Affairs, Creative Economy, and Sports. The sponsorship covers the cost of flights, accommodation, and generous allowances for the players during their participation in this prestigious global event.
Accompanying officials
The team was accompanied by 10 officials, including chaperones, coaches, a team doctor, and Chess Kenya officials. The head coach was CM Ben Magana, who was joined by GM Mikhail Ivanov from Elite Academy, based in Serbia. Chess Kenya had also included county officials to build capacity and foster exposure in their respective regions.
1. CM Benjamin Magana – Head Coach
2. Ann Kung’u – Kiambu County Official/Chaperone
3. Christian Nderi – Coach
4. Meshack Ombima – Trans Nzoia County Official/Chaperone
5. Emily Atieno – Female Chaperone (Teacher KBA )
6. Jackson Kalema – Kilifi County Official/Chaperone
7. Hillary Sagwa – Team Doctor
8. Rodah Olisah – Safeguarding Officer
9. Andrew Owili – Team Manager
10. GM Mikhail Ivanov – Coach
11. Benard Wanjala – Head of Delegation
Game Corner
Photo corner
Photo credit – Nemanja Sipka
Links
Results & standings of the 2025 FIDE World Schools Chess Championship.
Website of the 2025 FIDE World Schools Chess Championship
Chess Book Shop
Article by Kenya Chess Masala.
