Italy Denies 18 Kenyans Visa Ahead of the World Cadets Chess Championships

Visa issues have impacted 18 Kenyans ahead of the World Cadets Chess Championships, leaving only 17 players eligible to compete in the tournament scheduled from Friday, November 15 to Thursday, November 28 in Montesilvano. 

Team Kenya faced a significant setback for this year’s World Cadet Chess Championships in Italy as 18 players were denied visas. This situation reduces their representation to just 17 players, despite previously entering 35 competitors for the two-week event.

Bernard Wanjala, president of Chess Kenya, expressed disappointment, referring to it as a major setback, especially after the team's strong performance at the World Youth tournament in Brazil. They were hopeful for an even better outcome this time.

Despite the challenges, they are actively appealing the decision with the assistance of the Italian Chess Federation, hoping to resolve the issue swiftly so that the affected players can join the rest of the team. Wanjala criticized the visa denial as unfair, highlighting that they had submitted all necessary documentation, including proof of accommodation and flight bookings, along with payment of all required fees. He remains optimistic that the embassy will reconsider their application to avoid disadvantaging the players.