Uganda Chess Teams Triumph Against the Odds at 2024 World Chess Olympiad
The 2024 World Chess Olympiad, held from September 10 to 23, provided Uganda’s national chess teams—the Chess Cranes and Chess She Cranes—with a thrilling stage to showcase their skills. The teams made their international debut, taking on top competitors and rebounding from early setbacks. Their journey has set a solid foundation for future achievements in world chess.
The World Chess Olympiad Overview
Clearly the biggest honours in chess come with competing at The World Chess Olympiad where players compete on behalf of their nations, and Medalists qualify for entry to The World Cup. For the Uganda national teams, men (Chess Cranes) and women (Chess She Cranes), it’s an excellency chance for them to profile themselves in international competition, improve their skills, and brings honor to their country. Every little victory counts in every round and strengthens their chances of reaching the coveted World Cup.
A Challenging Start for Uganda Chess Teams
Uganda’s teams faced difficulties early in the Olympiad due to visa issues, which caused them to miss the first two rounds. However, they were undeterred. Returning to the chessboard with focus, they were ready to prove their capabilities.
Historic Comebacks in the Third Round
In Round 3, the Chess She Cranes secured a 4-0 victory over Cameroon, while the Chess Cranes rebounded with a 3-1 win against Djibouti. These victories highlighted the teams’ resilience and dedication.
Success Continues in the Fourth and Fifth Rounds
Though in the fourth round, the Chess She Cranes beat Lebanon by a score of 3.5-0.5, Chess Cranes played on with a much-reduced lineup to be able to win 3-1 against Barbados. These victories instilled a little faith, giving the team momentum.
By round five, the Chess Cranes had their full lineup, thanks to the arrival of several important players at just the right time. So they put their star player CM Nyola Wasswa Mark in reserve for the most challenging matches ahead. The Chess She Cranes continued their winning run, downing a higher-rated Irish side with a 2.5-1.5 scoreline. In the meantime, the Chess Cranes were drawn against Mozambique, resulting in a 2-2 draw.
They even reached the final rounds without substitution opportunities because one of their players was sick and still secured an impressive top position for the African nations.
Comprising five talented players, the team tackled some of the world’s best with determination. The earlier hurdles meant the team missed the first two rounds but that was to turn round in the third, and huge results followed. Their efforts culminated in significant recognition, as the World Chess Federation through an email to UCF awarded direct titles to three players:
- Sana Omprakash Kayyar received the Women’s FIDE Master (WFM) title.
- Kawuma Patricia and Takali Milly earned the Woman Candidate Master (WCM) title.
