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Samarkand 2026 · 27 SEP 2026

Tanzania women bring home Category E silver from Samarkand

A final-round victory, new title achievements and a proud international campaign for Team Tanzania at the 46th FIDE Chess Olympiad.

Team Tanzania with the national flag inside the Olympiad venue.
Team Tanzania with the national flag inside the Olympiad venue.

Based on the Tanzania Chess Association press release dated 27 September 2026, supplied by Mussa Mangula, Communications Officer.

Tanzania’s Women’s team ended its Samarkand campaign with silver in Category E, according to the Tanzania Chess Association. A 2½–1½ victory over Pakistan in the final round delivered the two match points that secured second place in the category—a proud moment for Tanzanian chess.

Women’s Category E
Silver
Final round vs Pakistan
2½–1½
Women’s ranking, approximately
161 → ~109
Open ranking
177 → 166

The final round that made the difference

Neema Adam Kasanga and Bertha Samson Mkude won their games, while WCM Anahi Rishit Shah contributed a draw. Their combined effort sealed the team victory and a memorable conclusion to eleven rounds of international competition.

Progress beyond the podium

The association reports that the Women’s team rose from a starting position of 161st to around 109th, gaining more than 50 places. Captained by Mussa Mangula, the squad comprised Neema Adam Kasanga, Lissa Joseph Siya, Anahi Rishit Shah, Bertha Samson Mkude and Maryam Mugwahi. Maldives took Category E gold and Cambodia bronze; Tanzania’s silver was a category award, distinct from the overall Women’s podium.

The Open team also moves forward

Tanzania drew 2–2 with Côte d’Ivoire in the final round and improved from 177th to 166th. Captain Kilasa Misambo led Parsa Nassar, Henry Michael Marwa, Farqad Abeid, Patrick Sarota and Rashid Sharif. The team finished outside the Category E medal positions, but returned with an 11-place improvement and experience against international opposition.

Individual milestones

The supplied press release also reports a Woman Candidate Master (WCM) title achievement for Bertha Samson Mkude and Candidate Master (CM) title achievements for Parsa Nassar and Rashid Sharif. Together with the team results, these milestones point to the growing depth of Tanzanian chess.

Carrying Tanzania’s flag with pride

From the tournament hall to shared moments as a delegation, Team Tanzania represented the country with pride on the international stage. Watch Team Tanzania in Samarkand.

Team Tanzania in Samarkand. Open the video ↗

The campaign in pictures

Tanzania’s delegation celebrates with medals and the national flag.
Tanzania’s delegation celebrates with medals and the national flag.
Members of Tanzania’s Women’s team together at the chessboards.
Members of Tanzania’s Women’s team together at the chessboards.
A shared moment outside the venue in Samarkand.
A shared moment outside the venue in Samarkand.
A Tanzanian player concentrating at the board.
A Tanzanian player concentrating at the board.
A different kind of opponent: a chess robot at the venue.
A different kind of opponent: a chess robot at the venue.
Tanzanian players competing in the Open section.
Tanzanian players competing in the Open section.
Concentration at the board.
Concentration at the board.
Recording a move during competition.
Recording a move during competition.
Team Tanzania beneath the Samarkand 2026 sign.
Team Tanzania beneath the Samarkand 2026 sign.

Hongera, Team Tanzania!

A Category E silver medal, improved standings and individual milestones give Tanzania’s chess community much to celebrate—and fresh motivation to build opportunities for the next generation.