Latest news with #OmanChessCommittee
Observer
4 days ago
- Sport
- Observer
Ammar bin Yasser Team at World Schools Chess in US
MUSCAT: The Ammar bin Yasser School team, representing the Sultanate of Oman, is participating in the World Schools Chess Championship, hosted by the USA from August 3 to 8. The tournament features an elite lineup of school teams from across the continents, with hundreds of talented students competing in chess. The team prepared for this participation through an intensive training programme under the supervision of the national chess team coach, Captain Basheer al Qadeemi. The programme included advanced training on tactics and strategies in both offensive and defensive positions, as well as practice on various opening systems and smooth transitions into middle and endgame stages. The camp also focused on mental and psychological aspects, with sessions dedicated to analysing international games and playing trial matches to simulate the championship atmosphere. These efforts aimed to raise the players' readiness and instil confidence to handle the pressures of competition. Oman is represented in this championship by five players: Khalid al Kalbani, Khalid al Tashkeeli, Al Hassan al Shamli, Abdulaziz al Hinai and Dawood al Shamli, led by national coach Hamdan al Hinai, who accompanies the team to provide technical and on-site support during the competition, offering guidance to the players throughout the rounds. 'Over the past period, we have worked to elevate the players' levels in all technical and mental aspects. We focused on tactical and analytical elements that give them the ability to handle various situations on the board,' national coach Hamdan al Hinai said. 'The players have shown great commitment and enthusiasm to represent Oman in the best way. Our goal in this participation is not only to compete for results, but also to gain valuable international experience by facing outstanding players from different countries. This championship is an important milestone to assess the players' levels and determine the next steps towards bigger tournaments,' he added. Player Khalid al Kalbani said, 'Participating in the World Championship is a big dream for us. We trained hard and made great efforts over the past period, and we feel proud to represent Oman. We will do our best to achieve good results, but the most important thing is to gain new experience that will help us in the upcoming tournaments. We know the competition is strong, but we are confident that the intensive training we went through will put us in a better position for the challenge.' This participation reflects the commitment of the Oman Chess Committee and the Oman School Sports Federation to support and develop student talents by providing opportunities to compete at high levels. The championship is considered a golden opportunity for players to develop their skills and refine their experience in a highly competitive international environment. Oman's delegation looks forward to achieving positive results, relying on the players' commitment and high spirit during training, as well as the technical staff's dedication to monitoring and analysing each round thoroughly. Participating in a world championship of this magnitude also provides the team with organisational and cultural experience through exposure to different playing styles and the exchange of expertise with teams from international schools.
Observer
5 days ago
- Sport
- Observer
Masirah Club clinched Chess Clubs championship
MUSCAT, AUGUST 2 Masirah Club Team (A) was crowned champion of the General Chess Clubs Championship after successfully overturning the overall standings in the final rounds, snatching the lead from Salalah Club (A), which had topped the table midway through the competition. Masirah managed to collect 29 points, placing them at the summit of the standings, while Salalah (A) settled for second place. The championship, organised by the Oman Chess Committee, lasted eight days and concluded at the Sultan Qaboos Sports Complex Hall in Bausher. The tournament, played under the Swiss system of nine rounds with a time control of 90 minutes plus a 30 second increment per move, was filled with excitement and challenges among 100 male and female players representing 20 teams from 13 clubs. All rounds saw strong competition, especially in the eighth and ninth rounds, where leading teams fought to secure decisive points for the top spots. Masirah (A) sealed the title in the final round, while Nakhal Club delivered a major surprise by taking third place, surpassing teams that had been in the lead. At the awarding ceremony, Ahmed bin Darwish al Balushi, Chairman of the Oman Chess Committee, honoured the winning clubs. Masirah (A) received the gold medal, the championship cup, and a cash prize after scoring 29 points. Salalah (A) took the silver medal and a cash prize with 25 points, while Nakhal (A) finished third with the bronze medal and a cash prize, scoring 22.5 points on tiebreak. Masirah (B) placed fourth, while Salalah (B) came fifth. Ahmed al Balushi expressed his satisfaction with the technical level of the tournament, saying "throughout the championship days, we witnessed a high level of competition that reflects the significant development of the game within the Sultanate of Oman. What distinguishes this edition is the balance of power among the clubs, as positions changed right up to the final round. This is clear evidence of the closeness in technical levels." He added "the committee is working under a clear strategy to develop the game. Through these tournaments, we aim to discover talents and refine them through competition and exposure, in preparation for integrating outstanding players into the national team to represent the Sultanate of Oman in international championships. Our goal is to see Omani players achieve international titles and enhance the Sultanate of Oman's global standing in chess." He concluded by saying "we thank all clubs and players for their commitment and sportsmanship, and we also appreciate the support of partner entities that contributed to the championship's success. We look forward to future tournaments with higher levels of performance and wider participation." The Oman Chess Committee affirmed that the championship aims to create a truly competitive environment among clubs and measure players' technical levels, noting that these competitions, over their past editions, have contributed to developing players' abilities, particularly in the general category, which has been reflected in achieving advanced results in international rankings.
Observer
28-07-2025
- Sport
- Observer
Chess enthusiasts celebrate World Chess Day
MUSCAT, JULY 28 Chess enthusiasts and players from across the Sultanate of Oman gathered in Muscat to mark the World Chess Day recently and exchanged their experiences and knowledge in the intellectual sport. The celebration, which took place at the Al Araimi Boulevard in Seeb, provided a great opportunity for the public to get to know the world of chess while igniting curiosity among the children to the world of chess. The events were organised across the country last week with the aim of highlighting the importance of the game of chess and increasing interest in the game among the people, especially the younger generation. The International Fide Classic Tournament, held as part of the World Chess Day celebrations at Al Araimi Boulevard Mall in Seeb, under the leadership of the Chess Masters Academy, a leading chess institution in Oman, in collaboration with the Oman Chess Committee, was the main attraction this time. The tournament, which was attended by talented players from various countries, witnessed exciting moments. Chess matches, simultaneous exhibitions and chess quizzes were also held for children and adults on July 20. The Blitz Chess competition organised for parents as part of the day, was very exciting and impressive for many of those who never played on the 8x8 checkerboard or moved any piece or attempted to checkmate the opponent, were given an opportunity to try their first hand in the game. The active participation of parents was an asset to the success of the event. And, the prominent chess players shared their experiences and gave classes on chess strategies. The organisers noted that chess is more than just a pastime, it is a tool that helps in enhancing mental skills, improving concentration and problem-solving skills. Organisers said that the celebration of World Chess Day is expected to give a new impetus to the growth of the game of chess in Oman.
Observer
27-05-2025
- Sport
- Observer
Emad wins Bronze at Sharjah chess masters
MUSCAT: The Oman national chess team player Emad bin Said al Balushi has achieved a new milestone for Oman chess by winning the bronze medal in C category (allocated for players rated under 1900) of the Sharjah Masters International Chess Championship. The tournament was organised recently by the Sharjah Cultural Chess Club. The event saw broad international participation, with 111 male and female players from 26 countries, representing some of the most promising names in the sport. The competition was held over nine rounds using the Swiss system. Al Balushi managed to secure third place on the podium among a competitive field of players from top-tier chess schools. The Oman Chess Committee stated that this achievement reflects the growing level of Omani players on the international stage and aligns with its goals to refine young talents through international exposure, helping improve international rankings and strengthen Oman's presence in global chess tournaments. Emad al Balushi during the competition Emad al Balushi expressed great joy at his accomplishment, saying "It was a very tough tournament, and I faced players from countries with long-standing chess traditions. There was a lot of pressure in the final rounds, but I focused on each match individually, stayed calm, and i was able to achieve positive results. This medal means a lot to me, and I consider it an important step in my sports career." Al Balushi added "I thank the Oman Chess Committee for their continuous support. I hope we get more opportunities to participate in international tournaments, as they help us grow and gain new experiences. My next ambition is to reach a 2000 international rating and compete for medals in even stronger tournaments." The Oman Chess Committee continues to support national talents through ongoing development plans, which include training camps, technical programs in cooperation with international coaches, and participation in both local and international rated tournaments. These efforts aim to prepare a new generation capable of representing the Sultanate in major competitions, in line with the goals of Oman's Vision 2040 for sports development.
Observer
22-05-2025
- Sport
- Observer
Building the Future of Chess in Oman
Oman's chess landscape has steadily transformed over the past decade, evolving from a niche pastime into a vibrant national pursuit characterised by frequent tournaments, emerging talent, and expanding participation. From a handful of informal matches to structured FIDE-rated events, the Sultanate is now firmly establishing itself on the regional chess map. Basma Al Sudairi, Oman Chess Committee Secretary, said: 'It's been incredible to witness the growing enthusiasm for chess across Oman. The increasing number of tournaments, clubs, and school programmes demonstrates just how much the game is taking root in our communities. Our youth are showing real promise — not just in their technical skill, but in their discipline, patience, and strategic thinking. With the right guidance, training, and opportunities, I have no doubt we'll soon see Omani players making their mark on the regional and even international stage.' The 2025 tournament calendar reflects this shift. Early in the year, the Markaz Al Bahja Rapid Chess Tournament in January attracted a strong field of players across different age groups. March brought the high-speed excitement of the Layali Al-Irfan Festival Blitz Chess Championship, while April delivered a trio of major events: the Waterfront FIDE Rapid Open Chess Championship, the 5th Sultan Qaboos University Rapid Tournament, and the Chess Masters Academy Classic Rated Tournament. These events not only offered players the opportunity to improve their global rankings but also saw a record number of participants, showcasing the game's growing appeal. Just a few years ago, chess tournaments in Oman typically attracted between 30 and 50 players, often centred around Muscat-based clubs. Today, many events draw over 100 participants, with diverse representation from schools, universities, and even international residents in Oman. For example, the FIDE World Amateur Chess Championships hosted in Muscat in late 2023 drew over 400 players from more than 60 countries — a milestone that highlighted Oman's organisational capabilities and its rising profile within the global chess community. Female participation has also shown encouraging growth. Events such as the Oman Women's Chess Championship have become regular fixtures, providing dedicated platforms for women and girls to compete and develop their skills. The rise of young players like Rawan Al Balushi, who earned the title of Woman Candidate Master, underscores both the emerging talent and the importance of gender-inclusive opportunities within the chess community. At grassroots level, school initiatives are helping to embed chess into the educational fabric of the country. Tournaments such as the Azzan bin Qais International Schools Championships and various inter-school competitions are introducing children to the game at a young age. These events not only teach the fundamentals of chess but also promote critical thinking, discipline, and patience — skills that benefit beyond the board. Behind this growth is the consistent effort of the Oman Chess Committee (OCC) and academies such as the International Chess Academy of Oman (ICAO). They have developed training programmes, expanded tournament offerings, and modernised the chess experience through digital tools and live broadcasting. Support from institutions such as Sultan Qaboos University and private sponsors has further aided in integrating chess into public and academic spaces. This evolution is about more than just numbers. Chess in Oman is fostering a culture of strategy, focus, and cross-generational engagement. With increasing participation, improved infrastructure, and growing international attention, Oman's chess journey is one of quiet determination — and it has only just begun.
