The Armed Forces Chess Championships (AFCC) 2024 was held at RAF Wittering on April 2024. The AFCC is a prestigious annual event that brings together personnel from different branches of Armed Forces to compete in a game of strategy and skill.
The AFCC 24 was a great success with 100+ Chess players from across Defence participating. This event provided an excellent opportunity to identify and select suitable candidates to represent the UK Armed Forces in the 34th NATO Chess Championships, which is taking place in the Rhodes later this year. In addition, this competition provided an excellent opportunity for integration amongst all services and civilians within Defence, allowing them to partake alongside each other as fellow chess players, and fostering positive relationships within the Ministry of Defence.
Staff Sergeant (SSgt) Ngadi Sherpa, (Queen’s Own Gurkha Logistic Regiment), participated emerged as the overall Army Champion. SSgt Sherpa created history by becoming the first member of the Brigade of Gurkhas to attain the Army Chess Champion Title. This title is a testament to his years of hard work and dedication. He has been representing UK Defence at various Chess Championships since 2014 and has now achieved his goal of becoming champion. An outstanding result brewed from his dedication and perseverance into his individual skill.
