ISLAMABAD, Jan 24 (APP):Asian Chess Federation (ACF) General Secretary Hisham Al Taher on Friday said Pakistan would most likely be hosting the Asian Amateur Chess Champions in 2021, as the country was full of talent but needs international tournaments to get a boost.
“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 seeing the potential in players,” ACF General Secretary, who was on a visit to Pakistan told APP.
To a question, he said we discussed the holding of Asian Amateurs in Pakistan in 2021 with CFP. “Apart from that we will also see other events for Pakistan,” he said.
Hisham said he also met with Pakistan Sports Board (PSB) officials and everyone was looking for the betterment of chess in Pakistan. “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.
He also lauded the efforts of CFP vice president Amin Malik for holding the National Blitz Championship 2020 here at Pakistan Sports Complex on such a short notice. “This championship shows the hard work being done by Amin to promote the game in the country,” he said. To a question, he said CFP was a great host and he enjoyed his stay in Pakistan.
Amin said ACF has vowed to give the Asian Amateur Chess Champions to CFP in 2021. “Competitive chess was needed to groom Pakistani players and hopefully we are heading on the right track,” he said.
CFP senior vice president Ayaz Memon Motiwala said ACF Secretary being here in Pakistan shows the efforts made by CFP President Senator Begum Kalsum Parveen and Amin Malik.
“In the coming days Pakistan would be producing a grandmaster. When our players will compete against international players they will get a chance to learn and excel in the game of chess,” he said.
