Bereaved Modongo Cuts Short Olympiad Trip

Botswana sent five women to represent the country in the competition, but the team is now down to four members with no reserve player. Five men are also in Baku. “The anchor player of the Botswana Chess Federation women’s team WIM, Boikhutso Modongo had to cut her stay at the World Chess Olympiad short. This followed the untimely death of her elder sister. Modongo who was the leading board player has since left back to Botswana to join the funeral proceedings. Modongo’s absence in the team leaves the women’s team with no reserve player.

As the most experienced member of the team, her experience and guidance will be missed,” Botswana Chess Federation public relations officer, Keenese Katisenge said. The Chess Olympiad began on Friday and runs until September 13.