The President of the Namibia Chess Federation, Goodwill Khoa, said 2023 was a year filled with hard work, despite the inconveniences it brought.

Khoa shared this information during a discussion with sport producer Victorine Kaaronda, where they also explored what lies ahead in 2024.

The Namibia Chess Federation wrapped up the year in style by hosting the inaugural Annual Chess Awards on December 12th, followed by a chess tournament in Swakopmund.

As the year 2023 draws to a close, the Namibia Chess Federation is gearing up to host its first-ever Chess Awards in December. President Goodwill Khoa of the Namibia Chess Federation has shared some insights into the upcoming event.

Before the Awards Ceremony, the Namibian Chess Federation has a couple of competitions left on their calendar. The Bank Windhoek Women's Rapid Chess Challenge is scheduled for December 10th and 11th, followed by the Kehat Beukes Legacy Tournament in Swakopmund on the 16th and 17th of December.

The Namibia Chess Federation recently organized the Windhoek Open, marking the culmination of a series of chess tournaments held across the country as part of their chess development initiative.

The Windhoek Open showcased a significant increase in the number of participants, including both male and female players, as well as talented cadets in the under 8 to under 12 categories.

The tournament also welcomed visually impaired players, who demonstrated their exceptional skills on the chessboard.

The 2023 FIDE Chess World Cup is currently taking place in Baku, Azerbaijan, but unfortunately Namibia's Chess International Master Dante Beukes was knocked out of the competition by Ivan Sarci from Croatia.

With representatives from over 70 countries taking part in the 2023 Chess World Cup, one of the biggest upsets so far occurred between Namibia's Dante Beukes and Croatia's Ivan Sarci.

Though Beukes completed and dominated the first round, that particular game ultimately ended in a draw.

The Saint Paul College hosted the 2023 Chess National Schools Championship on Saturday in the capital in the capital. Over 20 schools from all the 14 regions participated.

This year's Chess National Schools Championship has brought together 5 zones and over 20 schools across the country.

Players gave it their all to progress from preliminary to advanced stages of the competition, with a number of games lasting shorter than regulation time.

The students were accompanied by their parents who supported, encouraged and motivated the students on the day.