OCC to take part in Asia Schools Chess Championships

MUSCAT: The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth, represented by the Oman Chess Committee (OCC), is participating in the Asia Schools Chess Championship, taking place in Thailand from December 1 to 11. This championship features top chess players from various Asian countries.

Four promising players from Oman, namely Mohammed al Riyami, Majid al Riyami, Shihab al Jabri, and Abdulrahman al Jabri, are taking part in the event. This participation presents a valuable opportunity for the players to gain experience and refine their skills by competing at a high level.

Additionally, the OCC is taking part in the Qatar Masters International Chess Championship, which will run from December 2 to 13 in Doha. Representing Oman in this premier tournament are Ali al Maamari, Mohammed al Amri, Salim al Amri, and Mohammed al Mashaikhi. The tournament is one of the region’s top events, attracting world-class players.

These participations align with the Oman Chess Committee's ongoing efforts to support players, enhance their technical skills, and boost Oman’s presence in international chess events.

Regarding the players’ preparations for the tournaments, coach Bashar al Qadmi said, "The preparations have been intense over the past few weeks. We worked on improving the players' strategic chess skills. We have promising players, and I believe they are well-prepared to face the challenges in the upcoming championships. This opportunity will be very valuable for them to develop their technical and mental skills."

Al Qadmi added that participating in such tournaments opens new horizons for learning and development. "They will compete with players from around the world, giving them the chance to gain experience and elevate their performance. Moreover, it offers them an opportunity to learn from international players and acquire new strategies."

Highlighting the significance of these participations, Al Qadmi stated, "This greatly contributes to raising the level of chess in Oman. It allows players to interact with some of the best players in the world, helping improve their technical performance. It also contributes to the development of local practices and tactics, strengthening Oman’s position on the international stage."