THE 16th edition of the Africa Youth Chess Championships roared to life at Dominican Convent School yesterday, bringing a continent-wide celebration of strategic brilliance to the Harare.
The prestigious tournament, which returns to Zimbabwe for the first time since 2017, has attracted more than 450 young players from 17 African countries, all competing in a week-long display of intellectual skill.
The event marked the culmination of months of meticulous preparation by the Zimbabwe Chess Federation (ZCF), whose president, Todd Mapingire, expressed delight at the successful start of the tournament.
“We are delighted that the tournament has finally started,” he said.
“It has been a good couple of months of preparation.”
Zimbabwe’s capacity to host world-class sporting spectacles was underscored by the excellent turnout.
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Mapingire confirmed the full turnout of participating nations, saying: “All the 17 countries that registered have managed to turn up for the tournament.”
He said the federation was looking forward to “a great week of exciting, top-quality competition”.
As young masters from across Africa settle in for nine days of high-stakes competition, the host nation is focused on ensuring an experience that extends beyond the chessboard.
“We hope visitors are going to enjoy our hospitality,” he said.
The event runs until December 14, promising both fierce rivalry and cultural exchange.