In an event aimed to unite chess champions across Namibia, the Bank Windhoek 2024 Zonal Chess championships recently reached its thrilling conclusion. As a result, the highly anticipated Namibian National Schools Individual Chess Championships (NNSICC) finale will take place this weekend from Saturday, 9 and Sunday, 10 March 2024, at Windhoek Gymnasium in the Capital.
The NNSICC serves as the ultimate battlefield where players aged 6 to 20 in divisions grouped from Under 7 to Under 19, in both the Open and Girls sections, fiercely compete for top honours. The culmination of the Zonal Chess Championships saw representatives from each of the ten zones, classified as per the Namibia Chess Federation Constitution, converging to demonstrate their skills and determination. The following is an overview of the ten zones:
Zone 1: Keetmanshoop, Karasburg, and surrounding towns
Zone 2: Mariental, Stampriet, and surrounding towns
Zone 3: Rehoboth, Windhoek, Okahandja, Gobabis
Zone 4: Erongo Region
Zone 5: Otjiwarongo, Tsumeb, Otavi, Grootfontein
Zone 6: Kunene (Kamanjab, Opuo, Khorixas, Outjo)
Zone 7: Oshakati, Ondangwa, Ongwediva, and surrounding towns
Zone 8: Kavango East (Rundu and surrounding towns)
Zone 9: Zambezi (Katima Mulilo and surrounding towns)
Zone 10: Lüderitz, Oranjemund, and surrounding towns
Each Zone sent three players in each age group, with some zones having the opportunity to send five players as an additional showcase of the wealth and talent in chess across the nation. This diversity and inclusion marked the essence of the Namibian chess community coming together to celebrate the sport.
As the matches unfolded, the resilience and strategic brilliance displayed by the young chess prodigies left a mark on the tournament. Notable were the victories achieved by players from various zones, challenging preconceived notions and showcasing that talent is not confined to specific regions.
President of the Namibia Chess Federation, Goodwill Khoa said that the Bank Windhoek 2024 Zonal Chess Championships and the subsequent NNSICC have not only been about competition. “They have nurtured a sense of sportsmanship and camaraderie among the participants,” he said. “Bank Windhoek's steadfast support for chess development in Namibia has been instrumental in the success of these championships, providing a platform for players to hone their skills and compete at the highest level.”
Khoa added that the anticipation surrounding this event is palpable as chess enthusiasts eagerly await the convergence of skill, strategy, and determination in the quest for qualification. “Both seasoned and emerging players will vie for the coveted top eight spots, earning the right to advance to the showdown in classical chess at the end of March in the picturesque coastal town of Swakopmund,” said Khoa.
The Bank Windhoek 2024 Namibia National Junior Chess Championships promises to be a memorable chapter in Namibian chess history. “The top 8 players who emerge victorious are expected to carry the torch of Namibian chess into future competitions, contributing to the nation's legacy on the international chess stage,” concluded Khoa.
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