Albania will host another important world championship of chess, as from April 26-28 in Durrës, the most talented children in the world will gather. The youngest from the ages of 8-12 will showcase their abilities in one of the sports where Albania has always excelled.

“It is the world championship for children in the ‘Rapid and Blitz’ game, with about 370 children participating, accompanied by escorts and parents, totaling 800 people. They are staying in Albania from April 25-29 for the development of this activity,” said Erald Dervishi, president of the chess federation.

At the opening of this activity, as well as during its development, the president of the World Chess Federation Arkady Dvorkovich will be present in Albania, as well as many chess players who have written the history of this sport like Susan Polgar. Meanwhile, a large number of young chess players in the world championship will be from Albania. In this championship, 62 Albanian chess players will participate. It is a record number when considering the ages of 8-12. The number 62 for a small country like Albania is extraordinary. We have a group of talented children who, if we know how to support them and show them the right path, will achieve extraordinary levels,” said Erald Dervishi, President of the Chess Federation.

In recent years, there has been an increase in the level of Albanians in the sport of chess, and not for nothing did Kler Çaku become the European champion.

“We are currently in discussions with the Ministry of Education and the Albanian government to implement chess in schools, mainly in elementary and 8-year schools,” declared Erald Dervishi, President of the Chess Federation.

The World Chess Championship for children comes in a jubilee year for this sport, as in 2024 the World Chess Federation celebrates its 100th anniversary.

/k.s/