Latest news with #WomenInChess
Times
30-06-2025
- Sport
- Times
Transgender teenager's German chess triumph prompts call for ban
A transgender teenager has caused an upset in German chess circles by winning an under-18 girls' national tournament, prompting calls for tougher rules even in a sedentary sport that relies on brainpower. Nora Heidemann's victory to become German champion in the female category of the youth chess championship in Willingen this month was met with criticism from some players and from the head of the German commission for women's chess, Nadja Jussupow. The former champion said that more trans women were entering women's chess tournaments since the introduction in 2024 of Germany's Self-Determination Act, which made it easier for transgender, intersex and non-binary people to have their gender and forenames changed in the civil status records. 'They haven't undergone any treatment or anything — they merely declared themselves to be women,' Jussupow told the newspaper Welt am Sonntag.
Khaleej Times
27-05-2025
- General
- Khaleej Times
Chess: UAE star Rouda Alserkal makes history in Norway
Rising UAE star Rouda Alserkal made history on Tuesday by making her debut at the Norway Chess Open tournament. The 15-year-old, who became the UAE's first Women Grand Master (WGM) early this year, marked a new era for Emirati female chess players with her maiden appearance at the prestigious Norwegian chess tournament. Rouda put up a spirited display against her Ukrainian opponent Platon Galperin on Tuesday, but her efforts were not enough as Galperin recorded a 1-0 victory. 'It is sad not to start with a win,' Rouda said. 'But it was also incredibly valuable. Playing at this level is intense, and I know I'll grow from this.' While winning and losing is part of the sport, Rouda's participation in the high-profile event will give her invaluable experience as she looks to improve her game. 'It's been an incredible journey for me so far – one tournament at a time, learning from every game and gradually improving,' she said. 'Playing at an event like Norway Chess, alongside some of the biggest names in the sport, is a great experience. It shows how far I've come, and how much more there is to learn and achieve.' Rouda had already put the UAE on the world chess map by becoming the youngest player to earn the Women Grand Master title. 'She's breaking barriers that we didn't even know existed,' said Kjell Madland, Founder and tournament director of Norway Chess. 'For a young Emirati woman to compete in the open category at one of the world's top tournaments—it's inspirational. The significance of Rouda's journey stretches beyond sport.' Madland also felt Rouda's success will inspire more Emirati girls to chase their dreams in life. 'I am confident her courage and skill are paving the way for a new generation of Emirati girls who now see a future for themselves on the international stage — not just in chess, but in any field they choose,' Madland said. Rouda is now expected to face more top-level opponents in the next rounds. 'I'm just getting started,' she said. 'It's an honour to be here, and I'm going to fight hard every game.'
