Chess championship in Pogradec/ Youth with special interest, 3 first prizes

2024-07-24 19:55:00, Sport CNA

Chess Championship in Pogradec

The game of chess has become one of the sports that is developing in the city of Pogradec, where, along with all other sports, this remains the "sport of the mind" having a great importance for young people. For the 10th consecutive year, the Amateur Chess Championship took place in the lake city, with the participation of 15 young people, and what was noticed was the participation of small children. These age groups, although different, but for a single purpose, have faced each other to win the cup of this event.

Ermal Rakipllari managed to get the first prize, who has been fully dedicated to this sport for 3 years. Although according to him the passion for chess started late, it still remains one of the most beautiful sports. His skills in the game are constantly improving, taking into account the lessons he has received during this time, while he says that he has also participated in other activities in Pogradec and the capital.

"It's been about 2-3 years that I've been devoting myself to chess definitively. Genesis started by simply making the moves, I didn't know how to play chess. Then I dedicated myself a little more, with some lectures, lessons and schemes, and I've improved, I believe. There is room still for improvement, I make a lot of mistakes, but the game of chess is a sport of the mind. I am very happy that I saw young children, they were strong players, because for them it is a useful and necessary sport. I participated for the first time first, I also went to Tirana twice. I am very happy, I dedicate the victory to my little son Jon."

Stefi Thëngjilli is the second place winner in this amateur chess championship. He just finished the 9th grade but is one of those young chess players who started his passion for the game at an early age. His father was the first aid, and then he acquired the skills for the right movements during the online practice. For Stefi, the negligence of young people towards chess is very great, and for this reason he calls on them to get closer to this sport as it is a window into life.

"I have completed the 9th grade. This is the second year that I have participated in the chess tournament. The first time I was eliminated in the first round but this time I managed to reach the finals. I want to thank the organizers of the tournament and all the players who participated and I always hope for more in chess. I have shown the desire to learn the game of chess since the age of 9. At first my father taught me the movement of the pieces and then through the Internet I learned the different steps and practiced online. There is no interest in chess from my peers. I don't think it's a difficult sport, but it seems neglectful to me. I urge my peers to start learning chess while they're at it time because it is a window into the life of a very important sport."

Kleo Ismaili is the youngest chess player who participated in this amateur championship. The 13-year-old reached 4th place in this first time participating in such a championship. His grandfather has taught him to play chess since Kleo was only 4 years old, while his great passion for this sport has caused him not to be separated from it during these years. The youngest chess player of the championship has shown that the popularity of the game of chess is increasing, while he feels optimistic that this game is also spreading in schools.

"It's the first time I participate in Pogradec. My grandfather taught me since I was 4 years old. Due to some small mistakes, I couldn't continue further, but the important thing is that I participated. Actually, it was a little difficult because they they have more experience, despite the fact that I learned chess early, I'm still young. As time goes by, I'll be better and fight more. More and more people are learning chess, it's spreading as a sport and it is becoming more populated in our city of Pogradec. It has not been like this, but it is getting better, more young chess players are coming out and it is spreading in schools."

In this edition of the amateur chess championship, the first place was won by Ermal Rakipllari, the second place by Stefi Thëngjilli, while the third place was won by Stefan Naço. The chess championship is an event that has already entered the general calendar for activities in Pogradec. Over the years, it seems that this sport has suffered a decline, although it was once one of the traditions of the lake city, however, recently there is a concrete initiative to restore this sport to its proper height./ CNA