Qatar Chess Federation Crowns Winners at Primary Schools Championship

The Qatar Chess Federation recently concluded the Qatar Foundation (QF) Primary Schools Championship 2026, an event that brought together young chess enthusiasts from across the region. This prestigious tournament, a highlight in the academic calendar, saw participation from 47 male and female players competing for top honors. These students represented six different schools, showcasing a broad engagement in the competition and a growing interest in chess among primary school children. The championship provided a valuable platform for young talents to demonstrate their strategic thinking and competitive spirit in a structured environment.

Boys' Category Results

In the boys’ category, the competition was fierce, culminating in a shared first place. Nasser Faisal al-Thani of My Academy and Ibrahim Tutonji of Qatar Academy Doha both achieved this distinction, each accumulating an impressive 5.5 points during the competition. Their consistent performance throughout the rounds set them apart from their peers. Abdulrahman al-Saifi, also representing My Academy, secured second place individually with a total of 5 points, demonstrating strong tactical play. The third position saw a tie between Arman Ramjan and Ahmed al-Hawaj of Qatar Academy Msheireb. Both players concluded the tournament with 4.5 points, showcasing competitive performances within the boys' division and noting the depth of talent present. The results show strong individual showings from participants across multiple schools, with My Academy and Qatar Academy Doha particularly prominent among the top finishers. This category featured several close contests, showing the strategic skills exhibited by the young chess players and the high level of competition.

Girls' Category and Team Success

In the girls’ category, students from Qatar Academy Doha Primary School swept the top three positions, a remarkable achievement that noted their school's strong chess program. Sofia Zubertska secured first place in this division, demonstrating a consistently strong performance throughout the championship and earning her the top individual honor. Aisha Abdulaziz al-Khalifa finished second, contributing significantly to Qatar Academy Doha Primary School's success and showcasing her developing skills. Munira al-Muhannadi claimed the third-place spot, further solidifying her school's dominance in the individual girls' standings and completing the clean sweep. The combined efforts of their players also led Qatar Academy Doha Primary School to secure first place in the overall team competition, noting their collective strength in the tournament and their full preparation. This outstanding team performance reflects the dedication of the students and their coaches.

Federation and QF Partnership

The championship was meticulously organized through a collaborative effort with the QF for Education, Science and Community Development. This event was conducted under the framework of a specific co-operation agreement established between the Qatar Chess Federation and Qatar Foundation, showing a shared vision for youth development. The enduring partnership between these two prominent organizations facilitated the successful staging of the Primary Schools Championship, providing a vital platform for young chess players to compete, learn, and grow. The agreement shows a commitment to fostering educational and community development initiatives through organized sports events, recognizing the cognitive benefits chess offers. This collaboration is instrumental in nurturing future generations of chess players and thinkers.

Awards and Future Goals

The co-operation agreement aims to strategically introduce chess into schools and academies under the Qatar Foundation umbrella, significantly expanding participation among young players in local competitions and ultimately increasing the number of registered and internationally rated players in Qatar. Hamad al-Tamimi, executive director of the Qatar Chess Federation, expressed his satisfaction with the event's outcome. He stated, "The tournament showcased promising talent among students and helped advance key objectives, foremost among them promoting chess culture in QF’s primary schools." His remarks noted the dual benefit of fostering talent and integrating chess into the educational fabric. Following the conclusion of the matches and the announcement of results, Al-Tamimi had the honor of presenting a commemorative shield to Sarah al-Hajri, director of Student Affairs and Community Service at QF, as a token of appreciation for the invaluable partnership and support. This championship serves as a cornerstone for future chess development programs in the region.