Zimbabwean chess player Prince Msokeri has brought home a bronze medal from the 2nd FIDE Chess Olympiad for People with Disabilities, held in Astana, Kazakhstan — marking Zimbabwe’s sole podium finish at the prestigious international tournament.
The 37-year-old standout delivered an impressive performance on Board 4, winning five out of six games to secure third place, finishing behind India’s Gangolli Kishan and FIDE’s Rasikhin Ihar.
Msokeri’s efforts helped Zimbabwe place 31st out of 34 teams, in a tough week of competition against some of the world’s top-rated players. The national team registered one win, one draw, and four losses, but showed grit and determination throughout.
Teammate Presence Murove also turned in a strong performance, achieving a 50% score on Board 4 and finishing 16th in his individual section.
For Msokeri, this victory represents much more than a medal — it marks a powerful story of redemption and resilience. Once derailed by drug and substance abuse during the COVID-19 lockdown years, the Chitungwiza-born player has fought his way back to form, regaining the discipline and focus that defined his early chess career.
Msokeri’s love for chess began in childhood, where he quickly rose through the ranks in local tournaments. In 2002, he captured gold at the Prince Edward School Chess Festival, sharing the podium with Zimbabwean greats Farai Mandizha and Rodwell Makoto. A year later, he struck gold again at the St. George’s Under-16 Tournament.
After stepping away from competitive play for several years, Msokeri made a remarkable return in 2023, finishing joint fourth at the CABS Candidates Tournament. His latest bronze medal in Astana now completes a full-circle comeback, blending early promise, personal struggle, and renewed purpose into a story of true sporting spirit.