Three Ugandan chess officials now Fidel Arbiters after FISU Mind Games

Apart from Mark Nyola Wasswa and Richard Kato who finished the FISU World University Mind Championship with Candidate Master titles three Ugandan arbiters also got norms.

Jordan Teeba, Victoria Nakiirya, and Walter Okas are now Fide Arbiters, following their participation in the FISU World University Mind Championship held at the Imperial Botanical Beach Hotel in Entebbe.

Emmanuel Gabriel Gele Mattia from South Sudan was bestowed the International Abirter norm after the championship that attracted 17 countries.

ISU representative Nomsa Mahlangu (center) hands over the FISU flag to the FISU World University Mind Championship next host's representative Jauchen Wang as organising committee chairman Vincent Kisenyi (left) looks on. Photo by Michael Nsubuga

Fidel Master Martin Horak from Czechia upgraded to an International Master, Anna Marie Koubova from the same country also walked away with the World Candidate Master title as Jarocka Liwia from Poland upgraded from Fidel Master to a Women International Master.

International Arbiter Geert Bailleur from Belgium said the championship was a prestigious category B tournament. He said to gain a norm there has to be titled players in the tournament, including Grand Masters like was in Entebbe where Poland’s Grand Master Janik Igor featured.

Vincent Kisenyi the chairman of the organising committee noted that the championship had brought a lot of joy, cultural exchange, and excitement.

Professor Jude Lubega who was the chief guest and represented the Vice Chancellors forum and the Ministry of Education and Sports also congratulated all players for participating.

Fidel Master Martin Horak (right) from Czechia who upgraded to an International Master after the FISU Mind Championship poses with International Arbiter Geert Bailleur from Belgium after the Entebbe championships. Photo by Michael Nsubuga

The FISU representative Nomsa Mahlangu from South Africa thanked AUUS for bidding to host the championship and the people of Uganda for their hospitality and support in hosting the ‘remarkable event’.

“The past few days have been a testament to the power of the human mind showcasing not only strategic brilliance but also sportsmanship and camaraderie-ship,” Mahlangu stated.

China will host the next edition of the biennial games in 2026. Jauchen Wang the next host representative received the flag from Mhalangu.