Female chess starlet Amyra Jain has been selected for the historic team of four young chess players who are set to represent Zimbabwe at the World Youth Under-16 Chess Olympiad in Barranquilla, Colombia, next week.
The event will take place from August 16–23, 2025.
This marks a significant milestone for the Zimbabwe Chess Federation (ZCF) as the nation makes its debut at this specific international tournament.
While the entire team is a source of pride, the spotlight shines brightly on 13-year-old Jain, the youngest member of the squad and the current Under-13 national champion.
Her inclusion is a testament to her exceptional talent.
She secured her place on the team after an impressive showing at the Africa Youth Schools Championships in Kenya, where she showcased her skill and determination.
The team is a powerful mix of seasoned competitors and rising stars.
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Leading the charge on board one is Amith Boddapati, the highest-rated Under-16 player in the country. He is joined by Danmore Mashawa, the reigning Under-16 national champion.
Carol Ndhlovu, the Under-16 girls' champion for 2025, completes the Colombia-bound team.
The team was unveiled on Tuesday in Harare.
"This is a proud moment for us. Our players have been training hard, and they are eager to showcase their skills on the world stage," said Zimbabwe Chess Federation (ZCF) Public Relations Director Agab Dozva.
Tapiwa Gora, the team's captain and ZCF Executive Director, believes in the team's potential.
"We have a very eager team, and all preparations have been set. Our goal is to perform well and inspire future generations of chess players in Zimbabwe."
The ZCF also highlighted the team's gender balance, with two boys and two girls, a deliberate decision to promote inclusivity and encourage more young people, especially girls, to take up the sport.
"We made a conscious decision to include two boys and two girls to ensure a well-rounded team. We hope this inspires other young players, especially girls, to take up chess," Gora said.
The tournament will feature nine rounds of intense competition, and the ZCF is hopeful for a strong showing from this pioneering team.
This development comes as Zimbabwean chess shifts its focus toward nurturing young talent, recognizing the benefits of chess in shaping cognitive abilities and mental capacity from an early age.
Currently, a team from Dominican Convent is participating in the World Schools Championship in Washington D.C., demonstrating Zimbabwe's growing presence in international chess competitions
The World Youth Under-16 Chess Olympiad Team:
Amith Boddapati
Amyra Jain
Danmore Mashawa
Carol Ndlovu
