Stavanger, Norway, 27 May in a milestone moment for the VAE sport and the Arab world, 15-year-old Rouda Al Serkal, the first wife of the country, made her debut on the prestigious Norway chess tournament, which competed here for the first time. Her participation is a new for Emirati women in international chess, so that the VAE was firmly put on the map in a sport that is long dominated by European and Asian powerhouses.
In her opening game on a clear and sunny Monday evening, Rouda stood opposite Ukraine’s GM Platon Galperin and played with the white pieces in a tense meeting with 56 Move. Even brave effort, the game ended in a 0–1 result against its advantage.
“It is sad not to start with a victory,” Rouda said with a smile, think about the experience. “But it was also incredibly valuable. Playing at this level is intense, and I know I will grow from this.”
Her qualification and invitation for Norway Chess Open – held on the sidelines of the most important tournament drawing the elite of the world, Lejing Reging World Chess Champion Goodish Dommaraju from India and the Norwegian legend Magnus Carlsen – you gave her groundbreaking striped Turn.
Rouda’s participation in the open category not only means its individual ambition, but also a broader shift in the global perception of Gulf atlets, in particular women.
“It has been an incredible journey for me – one tournament at the same time, learns from every game and gradually improves. Playing at an event such as Norway Chess, along with the biggest names in sport, is a great experience. It learns and achieved,” said Rouda, who has already made waves on the international circuit.
Earlier this year she assured her wife Grandmaster title and became the youngest and very first ever from the VAE to do this. Her debut in Norway is more than the staff of Milastone -it is a statement.
“She breaks barriers that we didn’t even know they exist,” said Kjell Madland. Founder and tournament director of Norway Chess. “For a young Emirati woman to compete in the open category in one of the world’s top tournaments – implementative.
As the VAE increases its investment in the participation of young people and women in worldwide competitions, Rouda is a symbol of possibility and progress. “I am convinced that her courage and skills free up the way for a new generation of Emirati girls who are now a future for themselves on the international stage – not only in cracks, but in every area they choose,” Madland added.
Norway Chess continues this week in Stavanger, with ROUDA experience to face more top leather opponents in De Ronde. “I’ve just started,” she said. “It’s an honor to be here, and I’m going to fight hard every game.”
