Team Fiji achieved significant victories against Mauritius, Antigua and Barbuda, and Bahrain during the 45th World Chess Olympiad in Budapest, Hungary, culminating in the award of a Women’s Candidate Master (WCM) title for the nation. The team was led by Head of Delegation Candidate Master (CM) Taione Sikivou, Open Captain CM Goru Arvind, and Women’s Captain William Robert Raymond Bennion.
Both team captains completed an online course from the FIDE – International Chess Federation, earning them the titles of National Instructor (NI, Open) and Development Instructor (DI, Women), while the Head of Delegation earned a FIDE Instructor (FI) title.
In their match against Mauritius, the Women’s Team secured a 3-1 victory, with notable performances from WCM Gloria Sukhu and WCM Cydel Terubea, who each drew their games, while Tanvi Prasad won her match and 17-year-old Makayla Sukhu triumphed over WCM Aamirah Beekhy.
Fiji’s participation in the Olympiad was supported by FIDE, the Fiji National Sports Commission, and Vodafone Fiji, who sponsored their professional attire amidst competition from over 190 countries.
“It was a very challenging Olympiad for all our players,” said CM Goru Arvind. “Like all sports at the international level, we had tough days and winning days, but in the end, our teamwork brought home respectable results and a WCM title. The most important lesson from sports is to remain patient and never give up.”
The Fiji Open Team also recorded a dominant 4-0 victory against Antigua and Barbuda, with contributions from CM Manoj Kumar, CM Rudr Prasad, Yash Krishen Maharaj, and Prashil Prakash.
The Fiji Women’s Team followed up with a 2.5-1.5 win against Bahrain, with WFM Kieran Lyons and WCM Cydel Terubea both winning their matches. Prasad secured a draw.
Goru Arvind highlighted the achievement of Makayla Sukhu, who scored 3.5 out of 7 in her debut, and praised Captain William Bennion for maintaining the team’s winning spirit. CM Rudr Prasad also made headlines by securing Fiji’s first draw against a Grandmaster from Ireland in the opening round.
Additional notable performances included draws by WCM Tanvi Prasad against Gabriella S. Vera Perez from Puerto Rico and CM Manoj Kumar with players from San Marino and Mauritania. Yash Krishen Maharaj’s victory in just nine moves against Abner Farquar is noted as one of the fastest wins in the Open Category.
Team Fiji has now returned home safely after a lengthy 45-hour travel journey from Budapest, passing through China and Japan before arriving at Nadi International Airport.