Sri Lanka shine at FIDE World School Chess Championship
Sri Lanka demonstrated its prowess in the world of chess by securing four medals at the World School Rapid and Blitz Chess Championship 2024 held in Lima, Peru. Among the medals won were a gold, a silver, and two bronzes, showcasing the exceptional talent of Sri Lankan young chess players.
Senuth Thewsas Perera from Gateway College, Ratmalana, emerged as a standout player, clinching two medals in both the World School Rapid and Blitz Chess Championships. He claimed the championship title in the World School Under-9 Open Blitz Chess Championship, triumphing over 35 competitors. Additionally, Senuth secured the first runnerup position in the World School Under-9 Rapid Open Chess Championship, where 48 players competed.
Navindu Bandara of Ananda College, Colombo displayed remarkable skill by winning the second runner-up position in the World School Under-7 Open Rapid Chess Championship, where he competed against 24 players. Meanwhile, Vinuthi Siyansa Meegoda of Horizon College International showcased her talent by securing the second runner-up position in the World School Under-7 Girls Rapid
Chess Championship, competing against 11 players.
The FIDE World School Chess Championship 2024 kicked off in the Constitutional Province of Callao in Lima, Peru, and ran from April 30 to May 10. Organized by the Peruvian Chess Sports Federation (FDPA) on behalf of FIDE, the championship features 1200 chess players from 26 countries competing across six age groups – U-7, U-9, U-11, U-13, U-15, and U-17, with separate events in Open and Girls’ categories. The championship included three categories -- Standard, Rapid, and Blitz, all of which are nineround Swiss tournaments.