Linares, in the province of Jaén, will be the host of significant chess competitions this summer. Mayoress Auxi del Olmo, accompanied by the delegate councilor for Sports, Martín de la Torre, and the president of the Spanish Chess Federation, Javier Ochoa, announced that the city will host the South Second Division Spanish Championship (August 11-14), the Absolute Men's and Women's Spanish Individual Championship (August 17-25), and the First Division Spanish Club Teams Championship (August 27 - September 2).
Additionally, the city will host a training camp for the Spanish Women's National Team during the last week of August, in preparation for the World Chess Olympiad. The Mayoress emphasized that these events "will once again place Linares at the center of Spanish chess" and reaffirmed the City Council's commitment to this sport, which is part of the city's identity.
Auxi del Olmo highlighted Linares' long history with chess, a legacy that drives continued efforts to maintain its prestige. "We are betting on top-level competitions that bring together the best male and female players on the national scene," she stated.
This year, special emphasis will be placed on women's chess. The celebration of the Absolute Women's Spanish Championship and the training camp for the Spanish Women's National Team will make Linares a key meeting point for Spanish women's chess, showcasing the talent of female athletes and encouraging new generations.
The leader also pointed out the economic and social impact of the championships, estimating the arrival of approximately 700 people (players, coaches, referees, family members, and fans) and around 5,000 overnight stays, which will benefit local hotels, restaurants, and businesses.
Del Olmo thanked the Spanish Chess Federation for the trust placed in Linares, a result of joint work and the city's organizational guarantee. For his part, Javier Ochoa highlighted Linares' solvency in hosting top-level chess competitions, while Martín de la Torre reviewed other municipal initiatives such as the II Mayoress Chess Trophy and the Municipal Chess School.
