GUYANA’S National Chess players were charged by the Indian High Commissioner to Guyana, Dr K.J Srinivasa to make their country proud when they take centre stage at the 44th FIDE Chess Olympiad, which is scheduled for later this month to early August in Chennai, India.

The High Commissioner met with the delegation who had visited the Indian Embassy to secure their visas.

Along with speaking about the importance of putting their best foot forward, he also gave a brief history of the game which started in India.

The team also took the opportunity to share their goals heading into the tournament, while noting that the major goal of the Olympiad is to provide much needed experience and exposure to the relatively young side.

According to information from the Guyana Chess Federation (GCF), “Team Guyana are also aiming to improve the country’s overall ranking in the sport. Guyana are currently ranked at 146 in the world but are hoping to break through to the top 100”.

The release noted that the Olympiad also gives untitled players a chance to win titles and titled players the chance to gain higher titles from winning matches.

Twelve-year-old Anaya Lall, who is the first deaf chess player to represent Guyana at this event, has to be accompanied by her mother who will act as a translator. Mrs Lall’s travel is being supported by the Deaf Association of Guyana and through a GoFundMe Campaign (https://www.gofundme.com/f/guyana-chess-federation).

High Commissioner Srinivasa was impressed with the team, and especially with Anaya for her exceptional performance as she goes on to make history for Guyana. He noted as well that India has made significant improvement in the care and support for persons with disabilities over recent years.

President of the Guyana Chess Federation, Frankie Farley said that the High Commissioner’s “guidance and pep talk was indeed inspiring to me and to the entire team.

The High Commissioner of India extended his hospitality and gave his confidence and assurance that our team will excel at the Olympiad. It is necessary that our team leave the shores of Guyana with a combination of high spirits and optimism that I’m certain will transfer into success”.

The 10 chess players have been training for the tournament with Slovenian Grand Master Georg Mohr ahead of their departure later this month.