Ghana’s national chess team, the Golden Knights, have returned from the 46th World Chess Olympiad in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, with a gold medal and seven new international titles.
The achievement marks Ghana’s strongest performance at the World Chess Olympiad, with the women’s team finishing top of Rating Category D to claim gold.
The Ghana women’s team featured Maud Benson, Gertrude Banini, Ridham, Dzidzor Dotse and Sumya Ibrahim Dotse in board order.
The historic campaign also saw seven Ghanaian players earn international titles from the World Chess Federation (FIDE).
Bernard Anhwere secured the FIDE Master (FM) title, while Price Akpa and Dr Daniel Mensah Loglo, who competed in the open section, earned the Candidate Master (CM) title.
Maud Benson became a Woman FIDE Master (WFM), while Sumya Ibrahim Dotse, Ridham and Dzidzor Esi Dotse each earned the Woman Candidate Master (WCM) title.
The delegation was led by Ghana Chess Association President Madam Christiana Ashley, who served as Head of Delegation.
The Samarkand Olympiad was her first since taking office earlier this year, with the Association highlighting improved preparation, an earlier selection process and structured training as part of the measures put in place ahead of the competition.
“This result belongs to the players. They did the work at the board. What we set out to do when I took office was make sure that when Ghanaian players sit down against the rest of the world, nothing about their preparation is left to chance,” Madam Christiana Ashley said.
“Seven titles and a gold medal tell me we are on the right road, and I want us to go further.”
The Ghana Chess Association also recognised the contribution of the coaching and technical team, team captains and officials who supported the players during the Olympiad and throughout their preparations.
The Golden Knights now return home with Ghana’s strongest Olympiad record to date and seven additional internationally titled players.
The Ghana Chess Association says its attention will now turn to strengthening youth development and maintaining the standard ahead of the next World Chess Olympiad.
By: Victoria Kwofie
