The Fiji National Sports Commission has provided financial support to the Fiji Chess Federation to participate in the 42nd World Chess Olympiad in Baku, Azerbaijan in September. Federation president, Candidate

The Fiji National Sports Commission has provided financial support to the Fiji Chess Federation to participate in the 42nd World Chess Olympiad in Baku, Azerbaijan in September.

Federation president, Candidate Master Calvin Prasad, said the grant has allowed FCF to field two teams in the biennial event.

“Fiji Chess is grateful to Government and the Commission for providing $20,000 towards airfares for the Olympiad,” he said.

Prasad said while the cost of air travel to Azerbaijan was quite high, FCF was able to acquire sponsors to offset the entire travel cost of the team.

“For the first time, we will be sending two full teams to the Olympiad, together with experienced coaches. The onus is now on the teams to train hard and honour the trust and expectations shown by our sponsors.”

Fiji will be represented at the Olympiad by an Open and Women’s team. Each team comprises five players and a captain.

The federation appointed a three-member independent selection panel to select both teams. The selection panel comprised of Dr Jashint Maharaj, John Caldeira and Gaurav Raicar.

The selection panel selected a strong squad with numerous experienced campaigners as well as debutants.

The open team includes CM Calvin Prasad, CM Manoj Kumar, Taione Sikivou, CM Goru Arvind and CM Noel Adricula.

The women’s team includes WCM Gloria Sukhu, WFM Hilda Vukikomoala, Cydel Kabrina Terubea, Tanvi Prasad and Sugandha Goswami.

“This will be the first Olympiad for the newcomers Tanvi, Sugandha and Noel. The other members are seasoned Olympians.”

Dr Maharaj is the captain of the Open team, while Iranian grand master Mahjoob Morteza is the captain of the women’s team. Prasad is the head of delegation.

“Fiji has acquired the services of international grand master Mahjoob Morteza to coach the women’s team.

“This is another first, and we’re confident of a good outing for both squads.”

The Fiji squad is attending training sessions every Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday at the Fiji Club in Suva. The Fijian squad departs on August 29.

Edited by Leone Cabenatabua

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