Chess in the Democratic Republic of the Congo: revitalizing a historic sport
Chess, an exciting and strategic sport, has a rich history in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). However, his practice had drastically declined in recent years due to a lack of promotion and popularization. To remedy this situation, Nigel David Short, member of the Board of Directors of the International Chess Federation (FIDE), traveled to Kinshasa to discuss the development of the game of chess in the country.
During his stay, Nigel David Short met Congolese political and sports authorities, in particular the Minister of Sports and the Secretary General of the Congolese Olympic Committee (COC). These constructive discussions made it possible to establish concrete plans in order to revitalize the practice of chess in the DRC.
As part of his visit, Nigel David Short hosted a simultaneous game against twenty of the country’s top players. This display caught the attention of the local media, who had the opportunity to ask the international chess grandmaster questions during a press conference. This promotion of the game of chess has also aroused the interest of the Congolese public.
The creation of chess clubs in Kinshasa and in certain provinces, such as central Kongo, greater Katanga, and the regions of North and South Kivu, marks a first step towards the revitalization of the sport. The visit of Nigel David Short, as a representative of FIDE, is of paramount importance for the future of chess in the DRC.
In conclusion, the revitalization of chess in the Democratic Republic of Congo is a priority for sports authorities and game enthusiasts. Thanks to the involvement of professionals such as Nigel David Short, it is possible to hope for a revival of the practice of chess in the country, thus offering new opportunities to Congolese players and contributing to the international reputation of the DRC in the field of mind games