A team of twelve players was on Thursday flagged off to Eindhoven, Netherlands, for the FIDE World Youth U16 Chess Olympiad set to get underway on Sunday, August 13.

The twelve are divided into three teams that will compete against 67 teams from 50 countries across the globe.

Team A has Mark Arthur Mwase, Edwin Pido, Nygaard Joseph Ajiri and Caroline Nabirye while Team B has Shilah Tondeka Tumwesigye, Ethan Tyaba Kigundu, Prince Mathew Mwase and Tatiana Zuri Tumwesigye.

Team C is composed of Nicholas Daniels Dokoria, Ssubu Lwanga Kiwanuka, Nakasi Nansamba Kiwanuka and Hailey Nio Mitchelle who replaces Fazirah Zahara Kyalisima.

Uganda is one of the only four countries that have entered more than one team. Kazakhstan has five (the most), Netherlands, the host country has four, while Canada has entered the same number as Uganda.

A total of nine rounds will be played at this event, with the time control being 45 minutes with an increment of 10 seconds per move starting from move 1.

This tournament equates to a World Championship therefore an important event for the youngsters showcasing their talent in the brainy game.

Since revealing the travelling team in May, the youngsters have been in constant training under the tutelage of Walter Okas, the national youth coach.

Okas is positive of a great showing in Netherlands. While speaking to The Sports Nation after the flag off, Okas said;

“We expect the very best from this team. We have dedicated a lot of time and effort in preparations for this tournament so we are confident we shall get desirable results.”

With a rating average of 1466, Uganda A is ranked 49th out of the 67 teams. Uganda B and Uganda C are ranked 50th and 64th respectively.