GFC selects team for Chess Olympias in Uzbekistan

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The Guyana Chess Federation (GCF) is excited to announce the official lineup for the National Open and Women’s teams, who will proudly represent Guyana at the 46th FIDE Chess Olympiad in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, scheduled for September 14-28, 2026.

Guyana will present two squads of five players each, competing in the Open and Women’s sections.

Heading the Open squad is 16-year-old Candidate Master (CM) Sachin Pitamber (ELO 1991), the reigning champion of the 2026 National Open, National Under-16 Open, and National Rapid Chess Championships. After earning his CM title at the 2024 Olympiad in Budapest, this marks his second time competing on the world stage. Pitamber is eager to showcase his talent and bring pride to Guyana once again.

Joining him is 16-year-old National Junior Champion Kyle Couchman (ELO 1995), appearing at his first Olympiad. Couchman has gained invaluable experience recently competing in Colombia at the Pan American Youth Chess Festival and the FIDE World Youth Under-16 Olympiad. He aims to contribute crucial points and earn his first FIDE title.

Guyana’s top-rated player, Candidate Master (CM) Taffin Khan (ELO 2066), leads the team with veteran experience, marking his fifth Olympiad since debuting in 2016. FM Anthony Drayton (ELO 2003) also brings his seasoned expertise as a five-time Olympiad competitor and esteemed youth coach, dedicated to developing chess talent in Guyana.

Former National Junior Champion Keron Sandiford (ELO 1874), fresh from winning the 2026 National Open Qualifier, rounds out the Open team with strong tactical play, also making his second Olympiad appearance.

The Women’s team is captained by Woman Candidate Master (WCM) and National Women’s Champion Aditi Joshi (ELO 1790). At 16, she returns for her second Chess Olympiad, building on her success from the 2024 Budapest Olympiad and recent international youth competitions.

Also on the roster are former champions WCM Jessica Callender (ELO 1552) and WCM Sasha Shariff (ELO 1538), both seasoned Olympiad veterans bringing valuable international experience.

Rising stars Ciel Clement (ELO 1484), competing in her second Olympiad, and youngest team member Kataleya Sam (ELO 1525), the 2026 Under-14 and Under-16 girls champion and regional bronze medallist, complete the team.

Both teams were rigorously prepared over six weeks by Serbian Grandmaster Aleksa Striković, who will serve as Open Team captain, while Slovenian GM Georg Mohr will lead the Women’s Team.

The GCF expresses its sincere appreciation to the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport, ENet, and all sponsors for making this achievement possible. The teams, accompanied by Mrs. Shenera Sam, Mrs. Archana Joshi, and Head of Delegation Mrs. Tanya Warren Clement, will soon depart for Samarkand.