Sri Lanka Shines at FIDE World School Chess Championships 2024

World School Rapid & Blitz Chess Championship 2024

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Sri Lanka has once again demonstrated its prowess in the world of chess by securing four medals at the World School Rapid & Blitz Chess Championship 2024. Among the medals were one gold, one silver, and two bronzes, showcasing the exceptional talent of Sri Lankan young chess players. 

A A Senuth Thewsas Perera, representing Gateway College Rathmalana, 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 09 Open Blitz Chess Championship, triumphing over 35 competitors. Additionally, Senuth secured the first runner-up position in the World School Under 09 Rapid Open Chess Championship, where 48 players competed. 

Navindu Bandara of Ananda College – Colombo 10 displayed remarkable skill by winning the second runner-up position in the World School Under 07 Open Rapid Chess Championship, where he competed against 24 players. 

Meanwhile, M D Vinuthi Siyansa Meegoda of Horizon College International showcased her talent by securing the second runner-up position in the World School Under 07 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 is scheduled to run from April 30 to May 10, 2024. 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: U7, U9, U11, U13, U15, and U17, with separate events in open and girls’ categories. The championship includes three categories: Standard, Rapid, and Blitz, all of which are 9-round Swiss tournaments. Currently, the standard event is in progress and is set to conclude on May 10, 2024.