Fiji’s Online Chess Team has kicked off the 2025-2026 Global Chess League with remarkable enthusiasm and performance. This year’s tournament showcases a robust lineup of 744 players from 65 chess clubs across the globe, representing countries such as England, Australia, India, Armenia, Pakistan, Libya, Italy, China, Brazil, Iran, Ukraine, and Romania.
Under the leadership of captain Avinesh Nadan, Team Fiji has secured an impressive total of 92 points over the first three rounds, placing them 23rd in this highly competitive international event. Candidate Master (CM) Goru Arvind explained the intensity of the league, noting it is played in a fast-paced format of 5 minutes plus an additional 2 seconds per move. He highlighted the challenge posed by enduring back-to-back matches for a full hour, which requires players to maintain quick mental resets and sustained focus.
The standout contributors for Team Fiji thus far have been CM Arvind, who has tallied an impressive 55 points, and captain Nadan, who has added another 37 points to the team’s score. Their individual rankings stand at 39th and 78th among all 744 competitors, showcasing their talent in this competitive realm.
Team Fiji’s strong initial performance bodes well for their future in the international online chess arena, emphasizing the nation’s increasing footprint within the global chess community.