BY THEMBA ZWANE
MBABANE – Eswatini’s chess fraternity is set to make history as the Kingdom sends a team to compete at the 3rd FIDE Chess Olympiad for People with Disabilities, marking the country’s first-ever participation in the prestigious international event.
The five-member team will represent Eswatini at the tournament scheduled for September 10-17, 2026, in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, where players with visual, hearing and physical impairments from across the world will compete in a global celebration of chess, inclusion and teamwork.
The historic delegation was given a motivational send-off by Eswatini Sport and Recreation Council (ESRC) Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Darius Dhlomo at the ESRC Boardroom on September 8, 2026.
Dhlomo challenged the players to give their best and return home having represented the Kingdom with distinction.
“Go do your utmost best. Go utilise every skill you have to win big. Go and perform well. Go and make Eswatini proud. Have fun and make lifetime friends,” Dhlomo told the team.
The ESRC CEO further placed responsibility on the team leader and captain, Eswatini Chess Federation (ECF) Vice President Mlondi Mdluli, who is a nurse by profession, to ensure that the players are well taken care of throughout their trip to Uzbekistan.
Mdluli will lead a squad comprising Sinenkhosi Khoza, Vikelo Nkomindze, Sibonelo Khumalo, Mncedisi Magagula and Kiara Halar.
The participation represents a significant milestone for Eswatini, with the Kingdom entering the FIDE Chess Olympiad for People with Disabilities for the first time.
Organised by FIDE in partnership with the Uzbekistan Chess Federation, the Olympiad brings together national teams featuring players with different disabilities, providing an international platform where talent, determination and teamwork take centre stage.
For Eswatini, the debut provides the players with an opportunity not only to compete against some of the world’s finest players with disabilities, but also to establish the Kingdom’s presence at an event promoting equal opportunities and inclusion through sport.
The tournament is expected to bring together chess players from around the world, united by their passion for the game and the spirit of fair competition.
As the Kingdom’s historic delegation heads to Uzbekistan, the challenge from the ESRC leadership is clear – perform at the highest possible level, enjoy the experience, forge international friendships and, above all, make Eswatini proud.
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(Courtesy Pic)
