14 April 2025
Fatima Bint Mubarak Ladies Sports Academy concludes the 7th edition of the 7th Fatima Bint Mubarak Academy International Blitz Chess Tournament for Ladies
- AED 40,000 in cash prizes alongside trophies and medals
- Expected participation: over 250 players across multiple categories
Abu Dhabi, UAE – XX April 2025: Under the esteemed patronage Her Highness Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, Chairwoman of the General Women's Union, President of the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood, and Supreme Chairwoman of the Family Development Foundation, the "Mother of the Nation", and under the guidance of Sheikha Fatima bint Hazza bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Chairwoman of the Board of Directors of the Fatima Bint Mubarak Ladies Sports Academy, and Chairwoman of both the Abu Dhabi Ladies Club and the Al Ain Ladies Club, the Fatima Bint Mubarak International Blitz Chess Tournament for Ladies – Seventh Edition concluded on Saturday.
The tournament was organized according to the Swiss system, spanning 9 rounds with blitz-style play (three minutes per round), and brought together over 250 players from various backgrounds and age groups, showcasing their skill and strategic thinking. This year’s edition was held at the Fatima Bint Mubarak Ladies Sports Academy, in collaboration with Abu Dhabi Sports Council and Abu Dhabi Chess and Mind Games Club.
The event featured participation across several categories, including the Ladies Tournament, Girls' and Boys' Youth Categories, and People of Determination, reflecting FBMA’s commitment to inclusion, youth empowerment, and community engagement, in line with the UAE’s Year of Community.
In the Ladies category, Ukrainian Grandmaster Kateryna Lagno claimed first place, followed by Rowelyn Acedo in second place, and Mahri Geldiyeva in third. Other winners included Mariam Javakhishvili, Srishti Pandey, Ava Suleimanova, Wafia Darwish Al Maamari, Mohamed Al Muaini Aisha, Karthick Nishita, and Zainab Darwish Almaamari.
Additionally, the tournament honored outstanding Emirati players across age brackets. Winners included:
- Anoud Eisa Mohamed (Best Emirati Under 18)
- Rouda Eissa Alserkal (Best Emirati Under 16)
- Ahoud Eissa Mohammed (Best Emirati Under 14)
- Rowdah Ghalib Alafeefi (Best Emirati Under 12)
- Hafsa Eissa Mohamed (Best Emirati Under 10)
- Marya Alkhamis AlBlooshi (Best Emirati Under 8)
In the Under 12 Tournament, first place went to Safarullakhan Safin, followed by Benny Abhinav and Shayan Noushad Ibrahim Muhammad in second and third place respectively.
Top Emirati players in this category included:
- Zayed Mohammed Al Ali (Best Emirati Under 12)
- Skander Ali AlBlooshi (Best Emirati Under 10)
- Zayed Alkaabi (Best Emirati Under 8)
The matches were overseen by a team of professional Emirati referees, ensuring a smooth and competitive environment throughout the event.
The event welcomed the attendance of senior officials, board members, and partners who expressed their pride in the growth of the championship and its positive role in developing a vibrant chess culture in the UAE.
With a total prize pool of AED 40,000 distributed across various categories, the tournament continues to serve as a vital platform for nurturing talent, building community ties, and elevating the profile of women in sport both locally and internationally.
The Academy stated, emphasized the importance of this annual championship in encouraging wider community engagement and supporting diverse talents. She noted, “We are proud to witness continued enthusiasm and growth in participation across all age groups and categories. The tournament stands as a testament to the Academy’s sustained efforts over the past seven years in fostering a strong, inclusive chess culture in the UAE.”
Continuing its legacy, the championship affirms FBMA’s unwavering support for chess development in the UAE and beyond building a platform that empowers future generations through sport, strategy, and shared passion.
-ENDS-