2026 Palestine Women’s Chess Championship Concludes Following Its Hosting by Hebron YDRC as Part of the “Our Home 2026” Season

Hosted and sponsored by Hebron YDRC, the 2026 Palestine Women's Individual Classical Chess Championship concluded after three days of competition. The tournament was organized by the Palestine Chess Association in Hebron under the supervision of the Palestinian Chess Federation and formed part of the “Our Home 2026” Season, organized by Hebron YDRC to commemorate the 30th anniversary of its establishment. The championship attracted broad participation from female players representing governorates across Palestine and was attended by official and sporting dignitaries.

The internationally rated championship featured highly competitive matches conducted under the nine-round Swiss system, with a time control of 30 minutes plus a 30-second increment per move. Palestine's leading female chess players delivered outstanding performances that reflected the continued development of chess in Palestine. The championship also served as the selection event for the players who will represent Palestine in upcoming international competitions.

The final standings saw Rand Sader crowned champion after achieving a perfect score. Taqwa Al-Hamouri secured second place with eight points out of nine, followed by Roaa Al-Hamouri in third place. Rahaf Al-Faqih finished fourth, Aseel Al-Faqih fifth, Yara Al-Faqih sixth, Maryam Hussein seventh, Reem Al-Hamouri eighth, Sama Al-Hamouri ninth, while Alaa Dawabsha completed the top ten.

The championship was officiated by a refereeing panel headed by Hani Tleib, Chair of the Referees Committee, alongside referees Souad Al-Haddad, Mohammad Al-Qawasmi, Sarah Nasser Al-Din, and Raghad Jaradat. The tournament was distinguished by its high organizational and officiating standards, contributing significantly to its success and presenting Palestinian chess in a manner befitting its growing stature.

Alongside the final day of the championship, Hebron YDRC hosted the Palestinian Child House Blitz Chess Open, which attracted wide participation and featured exciting competition, adding an energetic and festive atmosphere to the championship's conclusion.

During the closing ceremony, Mr. Kifah Al-Sharif, President of Hebron YDRC, affirmed that the club will remain an open home for the Palestinian sporting community, placing all its facilities and resources at the service of the Palestinian Chess Federation, the Palestine Chess Association, sports institutions, and the game's players. He emphasized the club's conviction that investing in people and developing champions lies at the heart of its national and community mission, reaffirming its commitment to hosting sports and cultural initiatives and championships that contribute to empowering young people and developing their talents.

Dr. Dawood Al-Qawasmi, President of the Palestine Chess Association, praised the tremendous efforts made by the organizing committees and commended the outstanding technical level demonstrated by the participants, as well as the exemplary sportsmanship that prevailed throughout the championship. He noted that the competition reflected the remarkable progress of chess in Palestine and expressed his appreciation to the team at Hebron YDRC and the Palestinian Chess Federation for their efforts in ensuring the event's success.

For his part, Mr. Bahaa Masoudi, Secretary-General of the Palestinian Chess Federation, expressed his appreciation to all those who contributed to the championship's success, including the players, referees, organizers, and volunteers. He thanked Hebron YDRC for its generous hospitality and for providing all the requirements for a successful event, announcing that the top-ranked players will represent Palestine at the World Chess Championship scheduled to be held in Uzbekistan, and wishing them every success in representing Palestinian sport with distinction.

Mr. Issam Ghaith, Member of the Palestinian Chess Federation, stated that the championship was conducted to an exceptional professional standard in terms of organization, supervision, and competition, emphasizing that its success was the result of effective teamwork and fruitful cooperation among all partner organizations and working committees.

Meanwhile, Mr. Muammar Al-Owaiwi, Member of the Hebron Municipal Council, highlighted the importance of supporting youth and sports activities, noting that chess contributes to intellectual development and fosters creativity. He commended Hebron YDRC for hosting the championship and for its continued support of young talent and sporting activities, expressing his appreciation for the institution's national and community role.

The closing ceremony was attended by a distinguished group of national and sports figures, led by Mr. Kifah Al-Sharif, President of Hebron YDRC, and Dr. Mohammad Ziad Al-Jaabari, Vice Chairman of the Board of Hebron YDRC and President of the Community Council for Supporting Education. They were joined by Board Members Mr. Naeem Hamdan, Mr. Omar Al-Qawasmi, Mr. Shahda Al-Natsheh, and Mr. Safwat Al-Qawasmi, as well as Eng. Omar Dahman, Executive Director of Hebron YDRC, Anas Al-Sarabta, Programs Director, and Mr. Khaled Al-Qawasmeh, representing Hebron YDRC. Also in attendance were Dr. Dawood Al-Qawasmi, President of the Palestine Chess Association; Mr. Bahaa Masoudi, Secretary-General of the Palestinian Chess Federation; Federation Board Members Mr. Issam Ghaith and Mr. Mahmoud Jaradat; Mr. Muammar Al-Owaiwi, Member of the Hebron Municipal Council; together with representatives of supporting institutions, partner organizations, and members of the chess community.

The event concluded with the award ceremony honoring the championship winners, referees, partners, supporting organizations, and organizing committees in a celebratory atmosphere that reflected the growing prominence of Palestinian chess. The occasion also reaffirmed the Palestinian Chess Federation's commitment to further developing the sport, expanding participation, and preparing future generations capable of representing Palestine with distinction at Arab and international competitions.

In his closing remarks, Mr. Kifah Al-Sharif, President of Hebron YDRC, reiterated the club's commitment to fulfilling its national and community mission by continuing to host sports, cultural, and youth initiatives and by keeping its doors open to national institutions and sports federations. He affirmed that investing in the Palestinian people and empowering youth and women remain the cornerstone of building a brighter future, in line with the mission of Hebron YDRC to serve the Palestinian community.