Mdina Open for ladies
Chess Association of Malawi (Chessam) has re-introduced the ladies section for the Mdina International Chess Championship scheduled for Crest Ilala Lodge in Mzuzu from August 24 to 27.
Chessam Publicity Secretary, Makhosi Nyirenda, confirmed that the sponsor had nodded to the inclusion of the ladies’ category in the championship.
“Programmes to improve ladies’ chess have been set from the grassroots. For instance, the introduction of chess in schools is the greatest step towards the improvement of ladies chess,” he said.
Ellen Mpinganjira, the only lady participant in last year’s competition, has since welcomed the ladies’ section.
“Being the only lady playing at the last Mdina Open was so challenging and fun at the same time. But I could see that having no separate ladies’ category really affected the numbers of ladies,” she said.
Malawi’s international, Daisy Nkhoma, said she felt demotivated by the recent exclusion of the ladies’ section.
Malawi’s best female player, Linda Jambo, said she was excited with the revival of the section.
“You know ladies chess is still developing. It is better for us to play in our own category,” she said.
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