The Sunday Mail
Online Reporter
Female inmates are expected to participate at this year’s Behind the Wall Chess Tournament at Khami Prison from May 28 to May 29.
The tournament, now in its third year, will have women from prisons and correctional services taking their bow in a move that has excited the Zimbabwe Chess Federation.
“It’s something we are looking forward to. It will be a positive development in our prison chess programme to have female players as well.
“Chess is a game that transcends gender … We are hopeful that Zimbabwe will be able to field a women’s team at the FIDE Intercontinental Online Chess Championship for Prisoners later this year,” said Zimbabwe Chess Federation social chess director Cosmas Dongo.
Over 100 participants are expected to take part at this year’s event.
“This event will be used to prepare for the FIDE Intercontinental Online Chess Championship for Prisoners scheduled for October 2022, and we are glad that the inclusion of females in this tournament will also allow women to represent the country in the intercontinental tournament.”
Zimbabwe came second in the inaugural championship last year.
Most notable participants at this year’s tournament include 2021 champions inmate Arnold Hurumba from Harare Central Prison, overall winner ZPCS officer Cyril Chigodo and FIDE master-elect Kudzanayi Charinda, who is regarded as the best woman player of the tournament.
