Pakistan to host Asian Amateur Chess

ISLAMABAD: Asian Chess Federation General Secretary Hisham Al Taher Friday said that Pakistan will likely to host the Asian Amateur Chess Championship in 2021.

The country has no dearth of talent in the game but needs to host international tournaments to give the local players required exposure.

“It is an honour to be in Pakistan. I’m here to see the status of the Chess Federation of Pakistan (CFP) and the first impression was excellent. I’m very impressed by the local players’ potential,” ACF General Secretary, who is visiting Pakistan these days.

To a question, he said we discussed holding of the Asian Amateurs in Pakistan in 2021 with the CFP. “Apart from that we will also allot other events to Pakistan,” he said.

Hisham said he also met Pakistan Sports Board (PSB) officials and everyone was looking for the betterment of chess in the country.

“Pakistan has a big potential but hard work is needed to produce a grandmaster as it doesn’t turn out in a day. We would also try to provide seminars, arbitrators and coaches to improve the game here,” he said.

The ACF official also hailed efforts of CFP vice president Amin Malik for holding the National Blitz Championship 2020 here at Pakistan Sports Complex on such a short notice.