The 2025 season was a remarkable year for chess in Fiji as the sport saw an influx of young talent and impressive performances at international competitions.
Hilda Kunau, president of the Fiji Chess Federation, expressed her excitement about the growth and determination shown by players both locally and internationally during this period.
Chess is widely regarded as a classic and intellectual strategy game that requires deep planning, critical thinking, and mental stamina to checkmate the opponent’s king.
In 2025, Fiji’s chess scene witnessed a surge in participation across all age groups, particularly among youth players, signalling a bright future for the sport in the country.
“We continued to see an increase in participation across all age groups, especially among our youth players, which is very encouraging for the future of the sport,” said Kunau.
“It was a year of building skills, fostering sportsmanship, and showcasing Fiji’s talent on the Oceania stage.”
Kunau mentioned one of the standout events of the year was Fiji’s participation in the Oceania Youth Zonal Chess Championship held in Brisbane.
“This competition pitted Fiji’s young players against some of the best talents in the region, and they showcased their skills and potential on the international stage.
“Locally, we had the greatest number of students competing than ever before, with over 70 school students actively participating in our competitions this year.
“This heightened level of interest and involvement bodes well for the development of the sport in Fiji and indicates a growing passion for chess among the younger generation.”
In 2025, Fiji made significant strides in strengthening coaching sessions and development pathways, providing a solid foundation for nurturing future chess champions.
“Fiji had some notable achievements in 2025. Our youth players earned steady finishes in the Oceania Youth Zonal Chess Championship across multiple age categories, demonstrating that Fiji is becoming a contender in regional chess.
“Domestically, several national tournaments saw intense competition, with emerging players making their mark and some veterans retaining their titles, highlighting both depth and experience in the federation.
“Looking ahead to 2026, the Fiji Chess Federation aims to continue expanding chess at all levels.
“We plan to increase our school outreach programs, introduce more structured youth training sessions, and support our elite players for international competitions.
“Our ultimate goal is to cultivate a new generation of chess players who can compete successfully on the global stage while promoting chess as an accessible, educational, and exciting sport for all Fijians.”
In a recent international competition held in Brisbane, Australia on December 17, the Fiji chess team showcased their talent and delivered impressive performances. Players from Fiji excelled in various divisions, demonstrating their skill and potential on the international stage.
In the under-14 Open Division, Lionel Vaurasi emerged as a standout performer for Fiji, defying expectations by defeating higher-ranked opponents and securing remarkable wins throughout the tournament.
Another notable player, Latileta, displayed strategic prowess and resilience in the competition, notably defeating Noelle Marie Camacho of Guam and securing draws against formidable opponents from Australia.
Praveer Singh and Randev Singh showed impressive tactical play in the U18 Open Division, with Praveer scoring a key victory over an Australian opponent and demonstrating his ability to compete against tough competition.
WCM Tanvi Prasad delivered a steady performance in the U20 Female Division, securing wins against higher-rated players from Australia and showcasing her growth as a player.
In the U20 Open Division, CM Rudr Prasad stood out as one of the rising stars of Fijian chess, securing wins against opponents from Nauru and New Caledonia.
Overall, the 2025 season was a year of growth, achievement, and promise for chess in Fiji, with the nation’s players making their mark both regionally and internationally.
The future looks bright for chess in Fiji, with a new generation of talented players emerging and the sport gaining traction among all age groups.
