By Staff Reporter
Doha: The Qatar Chess Association (QCA) honoured school teachers who participated in the “Naqla” school chess project for the 2025–2026 academic year during a special ceremony recognising their role in promoting chess education at the primary school level.
The initiative, dedicated to primary schools, was implemented through cooperation between the Ministry of Sports and Youth, represented by the Federation, and the Ministry of Education and Higher Education, reflecting ongoing efforts to integrate chess into educational development programmes.
Held under the patronage of Hayat Plaza Mall, the ceremony brought together 40 physical education teachers representing 18 primary schools, in recognition of their contribution to the success of the programme.
In recent years, QCA has continued to organise training courses for school teachers aimed at strengthening students’ intellectual and cognitive abilities through chess. The initiative forms part of the Federation’s broader strategy to expand the game at grassroots level, identify promising young talent and nurture future players.
In coordination with the Ministry of Education and Higher Education, the Federation has also organised annual tournaments for public schools, designed to support students’ analytical thinking and improve their ability to understand mathematical and scientific subjects.
QCA President Mohammed Al-Mudahka reaffirmed the Association’s commitment to intensive teacher training programmes, describing them as a cornerstone of efforts to strengthen and expand chess in schools.
He said the initiative seeks to build a broad base of qualified female teachers capable of training students, organising competitions and officiating chess-related activities, contributing to the long-term sustainability of the sport within educational institutions.
Al-Mudahka added that QCA’s current strategy is centred on building a new generation of chess players in Qatar while nurturing talents discovered through school competitions, which have become part of the calendar of the International Chess Federation.
He also expressed appreciation to the Ministry of Education and Higher Education and participating schools for their commitment to ensuring the success of the “Naqla” project and supporting efforts to integrate chess into the school curriculum.
The final tournament of the programme featured separate competitions for boys’ and girls’ public schools over six rounds in each category, with the participation of 102 students representing 16 primary schools.
