International chess boss excites Zambia
By Cecilia Nayame
INTERNATIONAL Chess Federation (FIDE) deputy chairperson Dana Reizniece-Ozola says the Chess Federation of Zambia (CFZ) is one of the active federations at the international level.
Speaking when she paid a courtesy call on Minister of Youth, Sport and Art Elvis Nkandu at his office in Lusaka yesterday, Reizniece-Ozola said the federation should consider bidding for major global tournaments in the future.
She acknowledged Zambia’s commitment to both local and international competitions, which she said is highly motivating.
“Zambia has shown remarkable progress in promoting chess, and it is worth supporting the federation’s aspiration to host international events,” Reizniece-Ozola.
She said initiatives to have chess teams in schools as well as correctional facilities are crucial programmes towards nurturing discipline, broadening participation, as well as shaping the next generation of players.
“Chess for inmates is close to my heart as it helps instill discipline and life skills,” she said.
And Nkandu, who welcomed Reizniece-Ozola, described the visit as a rare opportunity, especially since it came from an international sports body.
He commended ZCF for being the most active federation when it comes to compliance levels.
“Educational chess is key to nurturing talent from a young age. If given an opportunity to host an international chess event, we will seize it with both hands as it also aligns with our tourism promotion agenda,” Nkandu said.
Nkandu said a visit by the female grandmaster was a strong motivation for young female players in the country.
He also expressed the government’s commitment to supporting sports development in the country.
National Sports Council of Zambia Chief Executive Officer Sombwa Musunsa, commended Reizniece-Ozola for the visit, saying that the high-profile visit strengthens collaboration across different sporting disciplines.
ZCF president Lesley Chikuse also expressed satisfaction with the FIDE delegation visit.
Chikuse said the visit did not just end with meetings, but that the federation hosted a tournament between the ages of eight and 18 in honour of Reizniece-Ozola.
He said the FIDE master also engaged with inmates during her visit to consolidate the correctional chess programme.
Zambia’s only grandmaster is Amon Simutowe, and the federation is looking forward to having more in the future.
