Fiji Chess is steadily gaining recognition on the international scene, proving that the sport has more to offer than its perceived minor status. Under the leadership of captain Avinesh Nadan, the national team achieved an impressive placement, finishing 23rd in the recent 2025–2026 Global Chess League. This online tournament, organized by veteran chess player Peter Hornsby, brought together 744 competitors from 65 chess clubs across various nations.
Among the participating countries were notable chess powerhouses like England, Australia, India, and Armenia, alongside other diverse regions including Fiji, Pakistan, and Brazil. Fiji Chess general secretary Goru Arvind emphasized that while improvements may seem incremental, securing the 23rd position is commendable when facing some of the world’s best chess talents.
The league’s format includes a demanding five-minute plus two seconds per move structure, challenging players to maintain sharp mental focus as matches were played back-to-back for durations of 60 minutes. This rigorous setup highlights the skill and resilience required from each competitor.
Looking ahead, Fiji Chess is gearing up for another round later this month, while the World Chess Federation is preparing for future Chess Olympiads, scheduled to take place in Uzbekistan this September and in Dubai in 2028. The growing involvement and achievements of Fiji Chess signal a positive trajectory for the sport within the country and beyond, fostering aspirations for even greater accomplishments on the global stage.
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