More Than Moves: A Year of Growth and Achievement in Xiangqi

Throughout 2026, members of the High School Xiangqi Club participated in several national competitions and achieved strong results across both individual and team events. Their accomplishments included podium finishes at the “Char Yong Cup” National Chinese Chess Championship and the Pesta Sukan Xiangqi Competition, as well as the Team Championship at the 15th “Chung Cheng High School (Main) Cup” Chinese Chess Competition. The team also performed strongly at the “Victoria Cup”, with several members placing among the top five. In this reflection, Zhiyang looks back on the competitions, the camaraderie within the team and the lessons that came from competing alongside fellow Xiangqi enthusiasts.

Written by: Chia Zhi Yang (3i4, 2026)

Pin-drop silence. Players hunched over their boards, their minds racing as they calculated every possible move. One wrong decision could stand between victory and defeat.

Beyond the quiet concentration at the boards, these competitions showcased the dedication and determination of the Hwa Chong Xiangqi Club. Throughout the year, our members took on some of the strongest youth players in Singapore, emerging not only with a strong haul of trophies, but also with a deeper appreciation for the game.

At the individual “Char Yong Cup” National Chinese Chess Championship, Zhu Yuduo (1O3) emerged as first runner-up in the U14 category, while Zhang Haochen (2P1) finished as second runner-up. In the U16 category, Chiang Yin Hong (4i2) also achieved second runner-up.

At the 15th “Chung Cheng High School (Main) Cup” Chinese Chess Competition, our school was represented by Zhu Yuduo (1O3), Wu Yihan Charles (2i1), Chia Zhiyang (3i4), Oliver Su Ziyao (4A3), Chiang Yin Hong (4i2), Wang Zirui (4P1) and Tan Jing Rui (4i2).

Throughout the tournament, the team worked closely together and performed exceptionally well, eventually clinching the Team Championship. In the round-robin competition, we won all three matches against the other participating schools.

Chiang Yin Hong reflected:

“This tournament was my third and final opportunity to represent Hwa Chong in a team competition, and I think it was the most unique of them all. Beyond the beautiful scenery at Chung Cheng High School (Main), our hosts and fellow competitors were remarkably hospitable, even bringing us on an impromptu school tour before the tournament.

Five representatives from our team played in each round, and we eventually won 14 out of 15 games. The experience taught us to remain humble in victory and to show the same kindness to our opponents as we would to our friends. In the end, we not only became a more closely bonded team, but also forged connections with fellow Xiangqi enthusiasts from other schools.”

In the 2026 Pesta Sukan Xiangqi Competition Individual Championship, Wu Yihan Charles finished as first runner-up, while Chiang Yin Hong achieved second runner-up.

Charles reflected on his achievement:

“Upon achieving second place at Pesta Sukan for Xiangqi, I felt truly elated and pleasantly surprised by the result. Reaching the podium showed me that my hard work had paid off, and it motivated me to continue striving for excellence.

Throughout this journey, my CCA has provided invaluable support through practice, training, conversations, shared moments of laughter and constant encouragement. All of these have supported me in different aspects of my Xiangqi journey.”

Looking back on the year, these competitions gave us more than trophies and results. They taught us the importance of discipline, teamwork, humility and perseverance. Just as importantly, they gave us opportunities to strengthen our friendships within the club and connect with other young players who share the same passion for Xiangqi.

We hope that members of the Hwa Chong Xiangqi Club will continue to hone their skills and deepen their appreciation for the game. May we continue to challenge ourselves, support one another and strive for even greater achievements in the competitions ahead.