Callendar embraces pressure ahead of third consecutive chess Olympiad

Woman Candidate Master (WCM) Jessica Callendar is aiming to make Guyana proud when she competes at her third consecutive Chess Olympiad in Uzbekistan.
Speaking to Guyana Times Sport, the 24-year-old described her selection as both a privilege and the rewarding conclusion of a demanding qualification process. Callendar played more than 40 games, many lasting over two hours, to prove that she deserved a place on the national team.
“I always feel privileged when I am able to represent Guyana, but it is also incredibly cathartic,” Callendar said. “Having successfully done all that, it is cathartic to complete that process and see all of that effort culminate in a spot on the national team.”
She explained that qualifying locally presents a special challenge because players are familiar with each other’s styles and approaches. This forces competitors to decide whether to adjust their plans for each opponent or trust their usual methods.

Although earning selection brings satisfaction, Callendar understands that representing Guyana on the global stage carries even greater pressure. However, she said it is a challenge she willingly embraces.
Her goal at the Olympiad is straightforward: win as many games as possible, help the national team, and reward the people who have supported her journey.
“I am blessed with immense support from my family, federation, sponsors, Government, friends, students, and general fans of the game from across Guyana, and I hope to reward their faith in me with impressive results in Uzbekistan,” she said.
Callendar believes her previous international appearances have taught her that reputations and ratings should never intimidate a player. She credited her training in Shotokan karate with ISKF-Guyana, under the guidance of Kocho Sensei Christopher Chaves, for helping to shape that mindset.
“Even when facing stronger opponents, anyone is beatable, but only if you always show up ready to give 100 per cent of your effort to every match,” she said.
Callendar added that a player’s best performance remains the same regardless of the opponent sitting across the board. She intends to approach every match with confidence and thorough preparation, despite facing some of the world’s leading players.
The Olympiad atmosphere also holds special meaning for her. Having played chess for more than a decade, Callendar said it is inspiring to compete in the same venue as players she has admired throughout her career.
She also values the opportunity to meet competitors from different countries and backgrounds who are united by their passion for chess.
Callendar began playing at 11 and admitted that she never imagined she would eventually represent Guyana at numerous international tournaments. Her early years were difficult, with some competitions ending without a single victory.
However, she learned to appreciate smaller signs of improvement, including reaching an endgame against a stronger player, earning a draw, managing her time better, or identifying a tactic she previously would have missed.
Those milestones, together with encouragement from senior players such as Yolander Sammy and Loris Nathoo, motivated her to continue. Many experienced players also offered advice after defeating her, helping to guide her development and, eventually, inspiring her to become a chess coach.
Callendar said karate has remained an important part of her success, providing much of the discipline, patience, determination and emotional strength that she now carries into every chess match.