Eman Sawan: The Rising Star of Palestinian Chess

Title: Palestinian Teen Chess Prodigy Eman Sawan Inspires Support and Breaks Barriers

17-year-old WFM Eman Sawan from Palestine has captured the hearts of the chess community with her remarkable talent and determination to succeed in a region with limited support for the game. Despite facing challenges, Sawan has emerged as one of the brightest stars in the Middle East, igniting a wave of support from over 70 donors who are backing her dream to make history and break barriers.

Sawan’s journey to the top gained attention at the 45th FIDE Chess Olympiad last year, where she showcased her skills among some of the world’s best female players. With a perfect 7/7 score on board one for the Palestine Women’s team, Sawan was in contention for a gold medal until the final rounds. Although she narrowly missed out on the top spot, her undefeated 8/9 score earned her the Women’s FIDE Master (WFM) title.

Despite limited resources and support in her home country, Sawan’s dedication to the game has led to significant achievements in international tournaments. She has won gold medals in various championships and currently holds a FIDE rating of 1991, making her the highest-rated female player in Palestine.

Sawan’s inspiring story has attracted attention beyond the chess world, with filmmaker Katie Dellamaggiore featuring her in the upcoming documentary project, Queen’s Castle. The documentary aims to showcase the journeys of female chess players worldwide, highlighting their passion and dedication to the game.

Looking ahead, Sawan is determined to achieve her goal of becoming the first Palestinian grandmaster. With invitations to play in prestigious tournaments in Europe and the Middle East, she continues to work hard to improve her skills and reach new heights in her chess career.

To support Eman Sawan’s chess journey, you can visit her GoFundMe page and contribute to her inspiring story of perseverance and determination in the world of chess.