Latest news with #OmanChessCommittee
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.
Observer
09-04-2025
- Sport
- Observer
Hamood beats Iran's Amir in West Asia chess in Iraq
Muscat, April 9 Oman national team chess player Hamood al Busaidy made a strong start in the West Asia Chess Championship by defeating Iranian player Amir Mohammad in the first round of the tournament, currently being held in Erbil, the capital of the Kurdistan Region of Iraq, from April 8 to 16. This championship serves as a key qualifying event for the upcoming Chess World Cup, which will be hosted by Qatar. It features participation from 11 countries: Oman, Iraq, Iran, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Palestine, Qatar, the UAE, Bahrain and Yemen. The matches are taking place at the Van Royal Hotel in Erbil, amid high-level competition and impressive performances. Al Busaidy's opening win gives him a strong morale boost as he prepares for his next challenge in the second round, where he will face another Iranian player Mehdi Mohammad. The Omani player aims to continue his strong run and achieve positive results to enhance his chances of progressing to later rounds and improving his international ranking. The first round witnessed intense matches among the participants, with players eager to get off to a strong start and secure crucial points that could prove decisive in the tougher and more competitive rounds to come. The West Asia Championship is considered one of the most prestigious regional events in the chess calendar, bringing together some of Asia's top players as it acts as a pathway to the World Cup. The Oman Chess Committee hopes that Al Busaidy will maintain his momentum and deliver a performance that reflects the growing strength of Omani chess, with ambitions of reaching an advanced stage in the tournament.
Observer
27-02-2025
- Sport
- Observer
Hamoud wins Oman Individual Chess Championship
Muscat, Feb 27 The Oman Chess Committee has successfully concluded the Oman Individual Chess Championship for Adults, which saw broad participation from 106 male and female players representing various clubs across the Sultanate of Oman. The tournament featured intense competition over nine rounds, played under the Swiss system. The championship's awards ceremony was held at Al Amal Club, under the auspices of Dr Ahmed bin Jumaa al Riyami, Chairman of Nakhal Club, and was attended by members of the Oman Chess Committee (OCC), club representatives and the players' parents, who followed the tournament's proceedings over several days. After the final round, Dr Ahmed al Riyami and Muslim al Wadhahi, OCC member, honoured the top winners by awarding them medals, trophies, certificates of appreciation and cash prizes. In the final standings, Hamoud al Busaidy from Salalah Club secured first place, accumulating 8 points, which earned him the gold medal, the championship trophy and a cash prize. Salem al Amri from Mirbat Club finished in second place with 7.30 points, claiming the silver medal and a cash prize. Meanwhile, Maneh al Kathiri from Salalah Club came third with 7 points, earning the bronze medal and a cash prize. Mohammed al Riyami, also from Salalah Club, finished in fourth place with 7 points, followed by Said Shamas from Salalah Club, who secured fifth place with the same score. In sixth place, Muslim al Amri from Salalah Club recorded 6.30 points, while Imad al Balushi from Nakhal Club finished in seventh place, also with 6.30 points. RISING SIGNIFICANCE The Oman Individual Chess Championship for Adults is one of the most important events on the Oman Chess Committee's agenda, providing players with a valuable opportunity to engage in high-level competitive matches that enhance their skills and experience. The tournament also enables participants to earn international rankings and titles, increasing their competitiveness and strengthening the status of chess in Oman. Additionally, the tournament highlights the growing interest in chess within the country, with broad participation from various clubs, reflecting the increasing awareness of the intellectual and strategic benefits of the sport. Chess not only sharpens strategic thinking, but also improves concentration and decision-making skills. At the conclusion of the championship, Muslim al Wadhahi emphasised the importance of continuously supporting outstanding players, nurturing their talents through training camps and international participation, allowing them to compete against the world's best players. He also praised the high level of performance showcased during the championship, reinforcing the technical committee's confidence in the players' ability to achieve honourable results in upcoming regional and international tournaments.
