Chennai was selected as host to replace Moscow, following sanctions imposed on Russia for its invasion of Ukraine earlier this year.

The tournament, which ends on August 10, 2022, saw Hungarian Grandmaster Zlotan Ribli (a three-time Hungarian champion and a two-time contender for the world championship) leading the Ghanaians as coach to ensure that they will return home with medals.

The Ghanaians earned tickets to participate in the elite Chess tournament after excelling in an annual national chess championship organised by the Ghana Chess Association in Accra.

The 10 players are Dr Kwabena Adu-Poku (National Champion), Bernard Anhwere, John Kojo Hasford, Clinton Fomevor and Lionel Adu Jnr, Tobi Abena Felix (National Women’s Champion), Maud Benson, Dzidzor Dotse Esi, Christiana Ashley and Tiwaa Abena Appau.

The World Chess Olympiad, regarded as the biggest event on the International Chess Federation (FIDE) calendar, has so far attracted as many as 2000 players from 187 countries.