Mount Carmel Academy Launches Major Chess Tournament with Million-Kwacha Prize
FIDE Chess Master Joseph Mwale, who coaches at the academy, sees this as a watershed moment for the sport.
LILONGWE, Malawi — In a significant boost for chess development in Malawi, Mount Carmel Academy is organising a major-rated rapid chess tournament with a prize pool of K1 million, scheduled for November 3, 2024, writes Winston Mwale.
FIDE Chess Master Joseph Mwale, who coaches at the academy, sees this as a watershed moment for the sport.
"As Malawi champion, I know you need to start young in chess. The tournament's structure and the academy's commitment to teaching will help us produce masters in the future," says Mwale.
The tournament features three distinct categories: open, parents/veterans, and juniors (U16).
The Open section offers a top prize of K100,000 plus trophy, while the Parents/Veterans category will compete for prizes ranging from K50,000 to K10,000.
"We've designed the tournament to give everyone their own competitive space," Mwale explains.
"Even the youngest players will have appropriate divisions, with separate sections for under-8, under-12, and under-16 age groups."
The rapid-format games will allow 25 minutes per player, striking a balance between blitz and standard chess.
"This time control requires significant skill while keeping the tournament schedule manageable," says Mwale, who recently represented Malawi at the Chess Olympiad in Hungary.
"Monthly tournaments like these are crucial for developing future champions," Mwale adds.
"When there are regular competitions, children stay motivated and work harder with their coaches. These young players could be representing Malawi at international events in the future."