AsemconnectVietnam - The 2024 ASEAN+ Age-group Chess Championship kicked off on August 22 in Vientiane with 180 players from eight countries. Vietnam has the largest delegation, with 124 participants.

 The opening ceremony featured Ignatius Leong, President of the ASEAN Chess Federation, and Sanya Praseuth, Chairman of the Lao National Assembly’s Foreign Affairs Committee.

Praseuth highlighted the tournament's significance in fostering competition, exchanging expertise, and nurturing emerging talents.

This year's event includes 16 categories from U6 to U20, with competitions in rapid, blitz, and standard chess for both open and women’s sections.

The championship runs until August 31.

This is the signature event of the ASEAN Chess Confederation and is open to both players in the ASEAN region and all countries throughout Asia. The event has been held annually since 2000.

In the 2023 edition held in Thailand, Vietnam topped the medal tally with 92 golds, followed by the Philippines with 15, and India with three./.

Source: VNA