The 21st ASEAN+ Age Group Championships 2023 have come to an end

by ChessBase
6/27/2023 – It was just a question of how big Vietnam's win would be, and the final tally of 92 gold, 37 silver and 49 bronze spoke for itself! When second placed Philippines 'only' had 15 gold, 38 silver and 8 bronze, followed by India with 3 gold, 3 silver and 3 bronze, the extent of their dominance becomes even more apparent. New Zealand were a surprise fourth on the senior medal tally, Myanmar fifth, followed by Indonesia, Thailand, Singapore, China and Malaysia with medals. Read the ASEAN+ Age Group Championships 2023 final report by Peter Long directly from the venue in Bangkok, Thailand. | Photos: Peter Long

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The playing hall

Traditional Thai dance at the closing ceremony

VIPs, including representatives from 15 countries, in attendance

ACC President Ignatius Leong thanks the participants, organisers and officials and congratulates the winners

Mr Leong noted that there is now clearly a generational change, as evidenced by the number of former winners, many of whom are GMs, now coaching their country's best young talent.

He also took the opportunity to announce some important decisions taken at the ACC meeting the previous evening, the first of which was of course that while Laos will host in 2024, Singapore will be given the first option for 2025, with Indonesia and Vietnam willing alternatives.

The other is very interesting as sponsorship will be actively sought to provide full medical coverage for a minimum of five years for the winners of future ASEAN+ age groups.

The ACC flag was handed over to the Laos Chess Association by the President of the host Thailand Chess Association and organiser of the 21st ASEAN+ Age Groups 2023, Sahapol Nakvanich - John Laoruss.

One of the many medals awarded, with Vietnam's U-16 team taking gold and Thailand taking bronze

Full details on standings and pairings together with links to live games can be found here.

Laos - Social Evening performance winners!

The Social Evening has always been a highlight for the participants of each ASEAN Age Group Championships, with each country putting on a cultural display, and this time it was fitting that Laos won after putting on a super performance to relegate the crowd favourites, the Philippines, to second place!

It was indeed a wonderful end to a celebration that saw over 1,000 people attend the 21st ASEAN+ Age Group Championships, which certainly returned with a bang after a three-year enforced hiatus.

Medal tally

21st ASEAN+ Age Group Chess Championships 2023 medal tally

About the Author

Peter Long is an FM, FIDE trainer, international organiser, international arbiter and a man who has brought chess to Malaysia and neighbouring countries through his efforts over the years. He has previously been part of FIDE as Secretary of the Trainers' Commission.

Reports about chess: tournaments, championships, portraits, interviews, World Championships, product launches and more.