World Chess Day showcases Guyana’s rising talent and inclusive vision for the game
Written by EDYOU FM Staff on July 24, 2026
Junior championships showcase emerging talent as the Guyana Chess Federation expands opportunities for youth and players with special education needs and disabilities.
As the world observed International Chess Day, Guyana’s brightest young minds were engaged in battles of strategy and skill at the National Junior Chess Championships, reflecting not only the country’s growing pool of talented players but also the Guyana Chess Federation’s commitment to making the game more accessible and inclusive for all.
The championships brought together some of the nation’s most promising junior players, each vying for national honours in a competition that continues to grow in both quality and intensity. Defending National Junior Champion Kyle Couchman said the level of competition has continued to rise, noting that none of his opponents had been easy to overcome.
Kyle Couchman, National Junior Chess Champion
“The competition is really strong,” he said, adding that consistency and continual improvement have been central to his preparation. Following a brief break during his Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) examinations, Couchman said he is eager to return to full training as he seeks to retain his title.
Aditi Joshi, Female Junior Chess Women Champion
Current Women’s Champion Aditi Joshi echoed those sentiments, describing Guyana’s chess landscape as one that is evolving rapidly with the emergence of new talent at every tournament.
“I can definitely say that the chess landscape in Guyana is actively changing,” she remarked. “The overall level of chess in this country is rapidly increasing.”
Joshi, who began competing in 2023, also encouraged more young girls to embrace the sport, describing chess as a welcoming community where setbacks should be viewed as opportunities for growth rather than reasons to quit.
Cataleya Sam, 2nd Runner Up Female Junior Champion
National junior competitor and member of Guyana’s women’s team, Cataleya Sam, reflected on her own journey into chess, explaining that she discovered the game during the COVID-19 pandemic after her mother came across a Guyana Chess Federation programme.
Since then, the game has become a passion, one she continues to pursue through rigorous daily preparation, particularly as she trains for the upcoming Chess Olympiad.
Sam noted that success at the national level demands careful preparation, with every player presenting a unique challenge across the board.
While the performances of Guyana’s young competitors highlight the country’s growing depth of talent, President of the Guyana Chess Federation, Anand Raghunandan, said the organisation’s long-term focus extends well beyond producing champions.
Anand Ragunandan, President of Guyana Chess Federation
Over the past three years, the Federation has introduced chess to approximately 3,000 children across 12 schools, primarily in Georgetown, while laying the groundwork to expand programmes into Regions Three, Six and Ten through a sustainable development model.
“We need to build a base for competitive play,” Raghunandan explained. “But it also has to be sustainable.”
That philosophy extends to one of the Federation’s most significant initiatives, its Special Education Needs and Disability programme, which has become a cornerstone of its vision for ensuring every child has the opportunity to experience the game.
Through the initiative, teachers from special education schools are trained to play and teach chess, creating a sustainable system that allows students to continue learning long after introductory programmes conclude. Competitive tournaments are also organised for teachers, strengthening the capacity of schools to nurture future players.
Raghunandan believes the programme is steadily creating opportunities for children with disabilities to compete, develop confidence and eventually represent Guyana at the international level.
Reinforcing that vision, Chief Executive Officer of Schéjoule, Elson Low, described chess as one of the few sports capable of creating a genuine level playing field for persons living with disabilities.
Because success in chess depends primarily on decision-making, concentration and strategy rather than physical ability, Low explained that thoughtful adjustments, such as accessible clock placement and the use of appropriately sized tournament boards, can significantly improve participation without altering the essence of the game.
He said these seemingly simple accommodations allow players with disabilities to compete on equal terms while removing barriers that might otherwise discourage participation.
Looking ahead, Raghunandan said the Federation’s ambitions continue to grow. Alongside preparations for the upcoming Chess Olympiad, Pan American Championships and CAC Games, the organisation is also strengthening its administrative capacity while exploring opportunities to position Guyana as a destination for international chess events through sport tourism.
As Guyana joined the global observance of International Chess Day, this year’s championships served as more than a contest for national titles. They reflected a sport steadily expanding its reach, raising its competitive standard and proving that the game of chess is not only shaping stronger players, but creating opportunities for every mind willing to take a seat at the board.
