Hilda: Chess matter of strategy, tactics
Participation of women in sports can be improved by simply supporting and encouraging females to take part. And more importantly, creating a safe and caring environment for them to play in.
These were words of former chess champion and acting president of the Fiji Chess Federation, Hilda Vukikomoala- Kunau.
Hilda Vukikomoala- Kunau is no stranger to the arena of chess.
If you play or a fan of chess then you would definitely know, the beautiful 25-year-old Tubou, Lakeba, Lau native said.
She is married to Jonathan Kunau, a former national basketball rep, who is originally from Rotuma.
Hilda received her Women’s FIDE master title when she was only 18-years-old, an International title awarded to the best chess players. Faith and family are the very things that motivated her.
Having represented Fiji internationally, has taught her a lot of life lessons.
“I have travelled the world through chess (Norway, Australia, New Zealand, Azerbaijan in Turkey) and I feel that exposure has very much contributed to me being an open-minded person,” she said.
“I would like to think of myself as a strategic and tactical person. That may have developed solely from being a chess player from such a young age.”
Chess may not be known to many but for Hilda, it is something that she loves, it is a family affair.
“What I love about chess in particular, with regards to women in sport, is that we are on a completely equal playing field with men because it is an intellectual game.
“It is not about how physically strong you are, but about how mentally strategic and tactical you are.”
Hilda hails from a family where chess had been played for generations hence she was taught to play at the age of six.
“I was taught how to play chess at the age of six by my father and older brother Wayne.
“I chose to play it because it is fun and when I saw my older brother getting better and better at it, I wanted to be the same.”
Her father, Jone Ciwa Vukikomoala, and brothers Wayne and Semisi have represented Fiji in international championships.
“My grandaunt Gloria Sukhu is a veteran chess player and has been the national women’s champion multiple times. She also represented Fiji numerous times in chess internationally as well.
“The Sukhu and Kado families whom we are all related are all chess playing families.”
Advice to young women
“To all young women who would like to pursue a sports career, you have to develop thick skin quickly.
“It is not easy, but the returns of your efforts to continue in your sport are definitely worth it with regards to how you will holistically develop.
“For chess, we heavily encourage female participation and even have a separate prize pool for women in each tournament to incentivise their participation.
Future plans
“I would like to see the Fiji Chess Federation have its own venue and fulltime staff and to see more students playing chess in schools nationwide.”
Hilda has committed most of her time in administration nowadays and only plays chess as leisure.
She was the former secretary of the Fiji Chess Federation before taking up the leading role.
Hilda is a Student Learning Speciallist for the Faculty of Arts, Law and Education at the University of the South Pacific.
She runs workshops, prepare study guides and conduct one-onone or group sessions with students to assist them academically.
I would like to think of myself as a strategic and tactical person. That may have developed solely from being a chess player from such a young age. Hilda VukikomoalaKunau
Acting president, Fiji Chess Federation