In the visitor’s space at the 44th Chess Olympiad is a photo wall. From Judit Polgar to R Vaishali, the arts section features some groundbreaking women in chess. In the mix is a photo of Adani Clarke. The teenage chess sensation from Jamaica is an inspiration to many from her country, especially in the case of a bunch of yellow and blue women sitting right next to it.
Keisha-Lue Chong Gayle and her daughters Kaity (16 years old) and Kaia (12 years old) are spending part of their summer vacation in Mamallapuram. But for Kaia, the trip is largely work because she’s trying to follow in Clarke’s footsteps in representing her country at the Olympiad.
While this may be their first visit to Chennai, it’s easy for a Jamaican to feel connected to this part of the world. As a Courtney Walsh fan, Keisha-Lue understands India’s preeminence in cricket but was introduced to the country’s traditions largely in chess during this visit.
“We both love our cricket. We liked our flavors and curries and now I see we also love our chess,” she said.
“I don’t know how exciting is Chennai’s role in Indian chess. The large percentage of Grandmasters coming from this city is impressive,” she added.
The lobby is not the only place for players to test their minds in the game. The chessboard set up in the grass gives players like Kaia plenty of opportunities to play and learn from a variety of players and experience levels.
“The day before, she won IM Amaba Claude from Cameroon in one of the outdoor settings and spent this time watching some of the other players and learning from their games,” Keisha- Lue added.
However, the biggest target, until meeting by chance and learning chess, was Magnus Carlsen. With Norway moving to hall two (where Jamaica plays) thanks to their results, this may not be as improbable as it was at the start of the tournament.
“The hall is overcrowded, and that hasn’t been possible so far, but we’ll keep trying for the rest of the days,” suggested Keisha-Lue that made her children smile.
With two days left in the Olympiad, Keisha-Lue is quickly making a checklist of things to bring – sarees, local food, souvenirs, etc. For her daughters, she hopes the experience will motivate them and many more like them to carry sport and fly the Jamaican flag around the world.
