ZIMBABWE Chess Federation (ZCF) president Todd Mapingire has declared 2025 a “landmark year” for the sport, citing record-breaking tournament attendance and the successful hosting of major continental championships as evidence of Zimbabwe’s rising status in African chess.
In a comprehensive New Year’s address, Mapingire outlined a year of rapid expansion and technical milestones, positioning the federation for a 2026 season focused on grassroots inclusivity and “technical excellence”.
The centrepiece of the federation’s 2025 success was the hosting of the 16th African Youth Chess Championship (AYCC).
The event, staged at Convent School and Cresta Hotels in the capital, served as a high-stakes proving ground for the continent’s youngest talents.
“Together, we successfully hosted the flagship of ACC 16th African Youth Chess Championship in Harare... providing a continental stage for our rising stars,” Mapingire said.
“Participants of the AYCC had a story to tell about Zimbabwe hospitality.”
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Beyond international hosting, the federation reported a surge in domestic engagement.
The Minerva Zimbabwe Open emerged as the largest tournament ever held on Zimbabwean soil, drawing a record-breaking field of approximately 400 competitors.
Mapingire also highlighted a nationwide footprint of elite competition, including the CABS Candidates Chess Tournament in Bulawayo, the CBZ Nationals at the CBZ Head Office and the Crystal Candy Schools Chess Championships.
The president noted that this growth was supported by a bolstered technical bench, celebrating the certification of a new FIDE International Arbiter alongside numerous FIDE-certified arbiters.
Reflecting on the collaborative nature of these achievements, Mapingire credited a broad coalition of government and private sector partners for the sport’s upward trajectory.
“Your commitment has been the ‘grandmaster move” behind our success,” he stated, specifically thanking the Sport ministry, the Sports and Recreation Commission, and sponsors including CBZ, CABS and Minerva Risk Advisors.
As the federation pivots to the new year, Mapingire signalled that the momentum of 2025 would be used to deepen the sport’s reach.
“As we look toward 2026, we are excited to build on this momentum, focusing on grassroots development, inclusivity, and technical excellence.
“We look forward to another year of winning strategies and shared victories.”
The ZCF concluded its message by wishing the nation a prosperous and successful 2026, as it prepares to execute its next phase of development for Zimbabwean chess.