By Staff Reporter
Doha: The Qatar Chess Association (QCA), in cooperation with Qatar Foundation for Education, Science and Community Development, successfully concluded the Qatar Foundation Primary Schools Championship 2026, which brought together 47 young players representing six schools in a celebration of talent, strategy and intellectual development.
The tournament witnessed strong competition across both boys’ and girls’ categories, highlighting the growing popularity of chess among school students in Qatar.
In the boys’ competition, Nasser Faisal Al Thani of Academyati and Ibrahim Tutunji of Qatar Academy Doha shared first place after both players finished with 5.5 points. Abdulrahman Al Saifi, also representing Academyati, secured second place with five points, while Arman Ramjan and Ahmed Al Hawaj of Qatar Academy Msheireb finished joint third with 4.5 points each.
The girls’ category was dominated by Qatar Academy Doha Primary School, which claimed all three podium positions. Sofia Zubertska captured the title, while Aisha Abdulaziz Al Khalifa finished second and Munira Al Mohannadi took third place. Qatar Academy Doha Primary School also secured first place in the overall team standings.
At the closing ceremony, Hamad Al Tamimi, QCA Executive Director, presented a commemorative plaque to Sarah Al Hajri, Director of Student Affairs and Community Service at Qatar Foundation, in recognition of her efforts in supporting the successful partnership between the two organisations.
The championship forms part of a broader cooperation agreement between the QCA and Qatar Foundation aimed at promoting chess across schools and academies under the Foundation’s umbrella. The initiative seeks to expand participation among students of all age groups, increase the number of players competing in local tournaments and encourage greater registration and international rating opportunities through the International Chess Federation (FIDE).
Al Tamimi praised the strong collaboration between the two entities, noting that the tournament showcased promising levels of skill and potential among participating students. He stressed that one of the Federation’s key objectives is to promote chess culture within Qatar Foundation schools and create opportunities for young talents to develop their abilities through structured competition.
He added that the Association looks forward to expanding its partnership with Qatar Foundation in support of its vision to develop the game, strengthen the grassroots player base and enhance students’ cognitive and analytical skills.
The cooperation agreement has already contributed significantly to chess development within Qatar Foundation schools through teacher training programmes, the establishment of school chess clubs, the organisation of internal competitions and the recruitment of a growing number of male and female players.
Through such initiatives, Qatar Foundation continues to foster a well-rounded educational environment that supports academic excellence, personal development and critical life skills. Chess plays an important role in this approach by encouraging patience, perseverance, strategic thinking and self-confidence—qualities that help students develop leadership skills and the ability to make informed decisions both inside and outside the classroom.
