Limbe Secondary School and Paulendo Girls Secondary School have won National Chess Schools competition sponsored by NICO Holdings in Blantyre.
The winners in both the boys’ and girls’ categories were rewarded with modern smartphones, among other prizes, as recognition for their excellence.
In the boys’ category, Bwaila Secondary School of Lilongwe secured second place while Chibavi Secondary School from Mzuzu took third place.
For the girls, Chibavi Secondary School of Mzuzu came in second, followed by Chikhwaza Secondary School of Mulanje in third place.
Speaking during the awards presentation, Mbumba Mlia-Ndasauka, a senior official at NICO Holdings said the competition fosters critical thinking among students.
“Chess is not just a game. It is a tool for sharpening problem-solving and decision-making skills,” she said.
Echoing this sentiment, the president of the Chess Association of Malawi (CHESSAM), Mpilo Mizere said the organisation’s long-term goal of promoting chess among young people.
“Our aim is to see more students learning how to play chess, as it enhances intellectual growth and strategic thinking,” he said.
The competition has proven to be an effective platform for nurturing talent and inspiring the youths to embrace the game of chess, with NICO Holdings and CHESSAM hoping to expand its reach in the coming years.