BCF plans to revive school chess

The Bangladesh Chess Federation (BCF) is planning to resurrect school chess tournament and produce at least two Grand Masters within the next two years, claimed a top official of the federation yesterday.

“The federation is thinking of reviving the school chess tournament. We are trying to rope in a big sponsor for five years. If we can provide a good platform like school tournament, we can get some good players in future,” said BCF president and RAB director general Benazir Ahmed during the inauguration programme of 1st SAARC Chess Championships at a hotel in the capital yesterday.

“Bangladesh chess is progressing and we want to produce two to three GMs within the next two years. If we can arrange big tournaments more, players will get more opportunities to play and earn GM norms,” said the BCF president. 

Some 87 male and 22 female players including two GMs and six IMs from Afghanistan, Bangladesh, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka are taking part in the inaugural SAARC Chess Championships.