Chess Olympiad — this time for Africa? - Sports News Portal | Revsportz
FIDE has inspected the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC) as South Africa explores a bid to host the 2032 Chess Olympiad, the first ever to be held in Africa. The visit was led by FIDE president Arkady Dvorkovich, alongside Chess South Africa president Andre Lewaks, Lyndon Bouah, and Kevin Malam. Opened in 2003, the
FIDE has inspected the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC) as South Africa explores a bid to host the 2032 Chess Olympiad, the first ever to be held in Africa. The visit was led by FIDE president Arkady Dvorkovich, alongside Chess South Africa president Andre Lewaks, Lyndon Bouah, and Kevin Malam. Opened in 2003, the CTICC spans 140,855 square metres, can accommodate up to 9,500 people, and has a 1,500-seat auditorium. It has previously hosted major events such as the 2010 FIFA World Cup final draw, the 2023 Netball World Cup, and the 2015 World Economic Forum on Africa. Located in Cape Town’s Foreshore district, the venue is close to hotels, transport links, and the V&A Waterfront, with more than 5,000 hotel beds nearby. Its flexible design allows it to host exhibitions, conferences, sporting events, and multiple events simultaneously. In April 2026, FIDE announced that Africa would receive priority to host the 2032 Chess Olympiad under a new continental rotation policy. “Being here on the continent, we can feel how important this is for the whole African chess community,” Dvorkovich had said, adding that South Africa’s modern venue, experienced organisers, and successful hosting of the World Schools Team Championships make it a strong candidate. Bouah welcomed the possibility of bringing the Olympiad to South Africa, noting that chess has been one of the country’s 16 priority sports since 2012. Cape Town’s international connectivity, tourism appeal, and time zone, which closely aligns with Europe, could strengthen the bid. The city also has a rich chess heritage, with Africa’s first chess club founded there in 1885 and 38 active clubs today. South Africa’s national championship, first held in 1892, is the oldest in Africa, and the country, along with Morocco, became one of the first African nations to compete at the Chess Olympiad in Munich in 1958. For More Updates FollowRevSportz