Chess InDa Hood

05/10/2026

HISTORY MADE! 🇵🇬♟️
PNG's First Women Candidate Master!

We are beyond proud to celebrate Natasha Mimino, who has officially returned from the FIDE Chess Olympiad in Uzbekistan as Papua New Guinea’s FIRST-EVER Woman Candidate Master (WCM)! 🏆✨

Just two years ago, Natasha picked up chess for the very first time. Fast forward to today, she represented our nation as part of PNG’s first-ever women’s chess team on the global stage.

Entering the tournament as unrated underdogs against international Candidate Masters and FIDE Masters, the team held their ground in grueling 2-to-5-hour matches. Going into her final match in game nine, Natasha had 3.5 points and needed one last victory to reach 4.5 out of 9 games—achieving the 50% win rate required for her official 1500 rating performance and WCM title.
Right before game nine, her coach reminded her to stay completely locked in on her board:

"This is your moment to focus entirely on your game. Put everything you have into this match because it's between you and a title."

Natasha delivered the winning game, secured her permanent FIDE title, and proved what is possible for women in PNG chess!
Her message to young girls thinking about playing:

"Just start! You don't have to be the best player... Chess builds your critical thinking, your analytical skills, and you really do make friends."

Special thanks to the PNG Chess Federation, Chess in the Hood, her family, and her workplace for making this dream possible.

Thank you for your time to speak with us 🙏🏽

What an amazing achievement for Natasha! CIDH congratulates on your achievement and hope you're achievement will inspire more girls to take on the board ❤️♟️

15/09/2026

♟️ READY. SET. CHECKMATE!

Chess Rapids is coming to Rangeview Plaza! Put your chess skills to the test and compete for some amazing prizes!

Date: 19 September 2026
Time: 10 AM – 3 PM
📍 Rangeview Plaza Atrium
♟️ Junior: 15 years & below
♟️ Open: All ages

REGISTRATION IS FREE!
WhatsApp 8379 7042 to register.

12/09/2026

Get registered now!!

12/09/2026

Chess inda Hood is proud to announce our Major inaugural Rapids tournament in Partnership with our host Sponsor Rangeview Plaza! Come on down to the Rangeview Atrium and test your checkmate skills for a chance to win amazing prizes.
See you on Sept 19th and don't worry about registration, it's absolutely FREE!
Get in touch with us via the contact details provided in the flyer.

SEE YOU THERE!

08/09/2026

Maiks Mind bringing people together for a fun day of chess🫰if you don't have anything to do on the day please let us know and we can send you a pinned location 📍🗺️🙏✨🥹👏💯

Hey guys! This Friday Cheshire Disability Services PNG will be having our Pre-Independence Day Celebration 🎉 and We’ll be Sharing the love of Chess!

This is an open invitation to the Chess Community to come along and celebrate with us! 🇵🇬🎉🤙🏼

Let’s create an inclusive Tomorrow “One Move at a time”

01/09/2026

23/06/2026

A Memorable Night with GM Nigel Short in Gerehu ♟️

The boys and girls from the Chess In Da Hood Club at Maigana Crescent, Gerehu Stage 1, were honored to host Grandmaster Nigel Short for a friendly community chess session. Players from surrounding areas, including the Stage 2 Homeboys Chess Club, joined in for the opportunity to test their skills against the legendary Grandmaster.
Many came with their best strategies, but none could match the experience and brilliance of GM Short.

More importantly, the evening was filled with laughter, learning, and unforgettable moments as Nigel shared his passion for chess and encouraged our young players.
We were truly surprised and humbled that someone of his stature would take the time to visit our community. Special thanks to PNG Chess Federation for making this possible.

Thank you, Nigel, for your patience, kindness, and inspiration. We look forward to welcoming you back to Papua New Guinea again soon. 🙏♟️

22/04/2026

Great to see the game getting exposure! Big love from Pom to our chess mates in Lae ❤️♟️❤️

UNITECH has launched its first Chess Club on Saturday to support student’s intellectual development at the campus in Lae, according to the club founder.

Unitech Chess Club founder Walter Luna said the initiative introduces a new dimension to campus life, complementing the university’s strong support for traditional sports with focus on intellectual competition.

“The aim was to strengthen the existing chess culture at Unitech and build on it, the initiative was not just about starting a club, but about creating opportunities for students to develop intellectually,” Luna said.

– Picture Supplied

Read More: https://www.thenational.com.pg/unitech-launches-chess-club/