Team Qatar begins Chess Olympiad campaign in Uzbekistan

Doha: The Qatar national chess team is taking part in the 46th World Chess Olympiad, being held in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, from September 10 to 24.

The Qatari delegation comprises players Hamad Al-Kuwari, Mohammed Irfan, Khalid Al-Jumaiat, Mohammed Jarbi and Turki Al-Kuwari.

International arbiters Yousef Khalil Al-Mahasneh and Sara Al-Muhannadi are also participating in the tournament’s officiating team.

In a significant international appointment, the International Chess Federation (FIDE) has named Qatar Chess Association President Mohammed Al-Mudahka to oversee the current edition of the World Chess Olympiad.

The appointment recognises Al-Mudahka’s contributions to the development and promotion of chess internationally, as well as Qatar’s successful hosting of the World Chess Championship last December. The event received praise from FIDE and participating players.

The Qatari team opened its campaign against Bolivia in the first round of the 11-round Swiss-system competition.

Hamad Al-Kuwari lost to Ricabado Roderick, while Mohammed Irfan was beaten by Jimmy Daniel. Khalid Al-Jumaiat drew with Pinto Daniel, and Turki Al-Kuwari lost to Tichoca Daza.

Qatar will face Cape Verde in the second round this evening.

FIDE was established on July 20, 1924, during the 8th Olympic Games in Paris, with representatives from 15 national federations. It serves as the international governing body for chess.

The Chess Olympiad is held every two years under FIDE supervision, with the host country selected by the federation.

Qatar achieved its best Olympiad performance in recent years at the 42nd edition in Azerbaijan in 2016, finishing first among Arab nations and 48th overall in the open competition. That edition featured 180 countries in the open section and 140 countries in the women’s competition.