BANJA LUKA’S WOMEN’S CHESS TEAM TAKES SECOND PLACE IN THEIR PREMIER LEAGUE DEBUT

After four days of intense competition, the 22nd edition of the Bosnia and Herzegovina Women's Premier Chess League has concluded — and the team from Chess Club "GAMBIT" Banja Luka made an impressive debut by securing 2nd place in their very first appearance!

PHOTO: GAMBIT

This year’s championship holds special significance as, for the first time in the history of the country’s top-tier team competition, the Premier League for both women and men was held in Banja Luka.

Representing the vice-champion team of Bosnia and Herzegovina were talented young players Sofija Gavrilović, Jona Aranđelović Rakas, and Marija Vukoje, all emerging stars from the “GAMBIT” Chess School. They were joined by seasoned professionals — Bosnia and Herzegovina Olympic team member Maša Maksimović, Teoma Dukić, and Woman Grandmaster Irina Chelushkina.

This unique combination of youth and experience brought a long-awaited team medal back to Banja Luka — the first in over ten years — marking a new historic moment for chess in the city.

The event was organized by the Chess Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina, with technical support from the Chess Federation of Republika Srpska, and Chess Club "GAMBIT" Banja Luka acting as the technical host.

This remarkable achievement not only showcases the growing strength of women’s chess in Banja Luka but also sets the stage for an exciting future for the “GAMBIT” club and its rising stars.