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Women’s Chess Marathon – Week 3: Asia and Australia Celebrate
The third week of the FIDE Women’s Chess Marathon was full of excitement and celebration. Events in Asia and Australia showed how chess connects and empowers women and girls across generations. From one of Nepal’s largest women’s tournaments to inspiring activities in Australia, this week proved that chess is truly a global celebration.
Nepal: A Historic Festival of Women’s Chess
In Nepal, the Himalayan Chess Academy hosted one of the biggest women’s and girls’ tournaments in the country. With the support of Monalisha Khamboo, member of the FIDE Commission for Women’s Chess, the event brought together 142 players, aged between 5 and 67.
The tournament was a true festival of chess, where both young talents and experienced players competed side by side.
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Champion: Precious Adhikari
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Runner-up: Nihana Shrestha
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Third place: Reshika Shrestha
Prizes were awarded in many categories, from Under-10 to Veterans. Every participant’s effort was recognised, including special prizes for sportsmanship, rising stars, and most improved players.
Guests from sports, culture, and education joined the event, including:
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Palesha Goverdhan, Paris 2024 Paralympic bronze medalist
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Father Thomas Augustine, Principal of St. Xavier College
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Dipendra Lama, Film Director
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Nepal Sports Council representatives
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Nepal Chess Federation leaders
This historic event set a new benchmark for women’s chess in Nepal, celebrating inclusivity, opportunity, and community.
Australia: Chess Across Generations
In Australia, the Women’s Chess Marathon created a week of inspiration across schools, mixing large-scale participation with role models and a strong coaching tradition.
Highlights:
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August 12 – At Korowa Anglican Girls School, a record 120 girls (Prep to Grade 12) played in one of the largest interschool girls’ tournaments in the country. All participants received certificates from the FIDE Commission for Women’s Chess.
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August 19 – Andjelija Zivanovic, former Oceania Women’s Zonal player, gave an inspiring talk at Lauriston Girls School. She shared her chess journey with students, including her own daughter who now plays there.
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August 21 – WGM Julia Ryjanova, Australia’s top female player, delivered a lecture and played a simultaneous exhibition against 24 students, showcasing her focus and skill.
The celebrations also honoured Leonid Sandler, who has coached at Lauriston Girls School for 25 years. Principal Sabine Partington thanked him with a gift and heartfelt messages from students, recognising his incredible contribution to the chess community.
This showed how chess builds strong communities and how the right mentors can inspire future generations.
A Global Marathon, A Shared Spirit
Together, the events in Nepal and Australia reflected the true spirit of the FIDE Women’s Chess Marathon. They created opportunities for girls and women to play, recognised achievements, and built a safe, inspiring community.
From record-breaking participation in Nepal to the celebration of long-term dedication in Australia, Week 3 proved the strength and potential of women’s chess worldwide.
FIDE and the FIDE Commission for Women’s Chess thank all organisers, players, and supporters for their dedication. Special recognition goes to Monalisha Khamboo and Leonid Sandler for their tireless efforts in promoting women’s chess.
Photos: FIDE_Chess
Source: FIDE CHESS NEWS
