Ten Guyanese chess players will leave the country this weekend for Samarkand, Uzbekistan, carrying the Golden Arrowhead into one of the biggest events on the international chess calendar. Five males and five females will represent Guyana at the 46th Chess Olympiad, joining teams from around the world for the biennial competition, which runs from September 15 to 27.
For the Guyanese delegation, however, the journey is about more than simply taking their seats at the board. Ahead of their departure, the players spoke about the qualities they believe will carry them through the tournament, from resilience and determination to perseverance, respect, consistency, and a strong sense of responsibility to their country.
The Open team consists of FM Anthony Drayton, CM Taffin Khan, CM Sachin Pitamber, Keron Sandiford and Kyle Couchman, while the Women’s team comprises WCM Jessica Callender, WCM Aditi Joshi, WCM Sasha Shariff, Kataleya Sam and Ciel Clement.
For FM Drayton, who is preparing for his fifth Chess Olympiad, representing Guyana carries a responsibility that extends beyond his individual performance.
“I bring a strong sense of responsibility to the board, the understanding that every time I represent Guyana, I am playing for something greater than myself. As I prepare for my fifth Chess Olympiad, I intend to compete with discipline, resilience and the same commitment I bring to developing the next generation of Guyanese chess players.”
CM Khan sees the Olympiad as a test of endurance, particularly when games and difficult positions begin to take their toll.
“The primary value I am bringing to the board in Samarkand, Uzbekistan is unyielding resilience. Chess at the Olympiad is a battle of endurance, so no
matter how tough the position, I will fight for every move to honour the Golden Arrowhead.”
For CM Pitamber, the tournament is an opportunity to test himself at the highest level while refusing to allow adversity to determine the outcome.
“One of my personal values that carries me through tournaments is determination. In Samarkand, Uzbekistan, I have no other intention than to relentlessly pursue the goal of proving my ability to represent Guyana at the highest level possible. Through adversity, I won’t kneel at the hands of defeat.”
Sandiford said perseverance will be important regardless of how the tournament develops.
“The quality that I’ll bring to the Olympiad in Uzbekistan is perseverance as no matter what happens, I will keep doing the best I can to ensure a positive result for my country.”
Couchman, meanwhile, will focus on consistency as he takes on the demands of the international stage.
“One quality I am bringing to the board during the 2026 Chess Olympiad is consistency. I want to give my best effort in every game, stay focused under pressure, and represent Guyana with determination and honour.”
The Women’s team will also feature one of the youngest players in the Guyanese delegation. At 13 years old, Kataleya Sam will enter her first Chess Olympiad with determination and an awareness of the strength of the competition ahead.
“At 13 years of age, having entered my first Chess Olympiad, I am filled with determination, yet fully recognizing that each team is there to win. The value I take into these games will be to use every ounce of courage and skill I have gained throughout my training to defeat my opponents. I am not easily intimidated despite my small stature, and I am willing to go all the way even if I face off with a grandmaster.”
WCM Shariff said she intends to combine competitive ambition with integrity and sportsmanship.
“I’m committed to bringing my absolute best effort and a strong sense of integrity to the board, aiming to represent Guyana with honour in every match. My focus will be on playing with true sportsmanship and dedication, striving for excellence to make our nation proud.”
WCM Callender, drawing on her experience at international events, said she knows that the tournament will not always go according to plan. Her response, she said, will be to keep fighting.
“I believe my tenacity is the most important attribute I bring to my team. I have an extensive history of participating in International Events, which has taught me that, regardless of any circumstances or how the tournament is going for our team, the game always continues. Therefore, I intend on using my tenacity to bring my best efforts to every round in Samarkand, Uzbekistan.”
WCM Joshi also identified resilience as central to her approach, with the aim of turning the skills she has developed through training into performances for her team.
“I’m bringing resilience. It is my goal to make sure the skills and talents I’ve been trying to develop in this sport will be used to the best of my ability in order to keep the flag flying high through wins for my team.”
For Clement, representing Guyana is closely tied to respect, not only for her opponents and the rules, but also for the game and the preparation that brought her to the Olympiad.
“One quality or personal value I intend to express at the board is respect. Not only for my opponent and not only for the rules of the event but for myself and the game. I respect the work I put in for the few months that were leading up to the moment, and I respect what the game of chess brings out in individuals worldwide and in me. I respect every move, idea and story. I respect my country for its encouragement and help, which I am always very most grateful for.”
Guyana has participated in the biennial Chess Olympiad consecutively since 2014, following the revival of local chess in the mid-2000s.
This year’s delegation brings together different levels of experience, including Drayton heading into his fifth Olympiad and Sam preparing for her first. Together,
the 10 players will now take that experience, their preparation and their individual ambitions to Samarkand.
Once the games begin, the tournament will ultimately come down to the board in front of them. Every position will present a new challenge, every game another opportunity, and every result a contribution to the Guyanese team.
For the players, the objective is clear: to compete with discipline, fight through adversity, and represent Guyana with pride, one move at a time.
The Guyana Chess Federation proudly recognizes and thanks our valued sponsors, FIDE, the International Chess Federation, the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport, and ENet, for their unwavering support of our Olympiad Team. We are deeply grateful for your commitment to fostering excellence in Guyanese chess.
