The Pakistan High Commission (HC) in Dhaka organized the second edition of the Mian Sultan Khan Chess Tournament at its premises with the support of Bangladesh Chess Federation on Saturday (February 8).
The annual event was held to pay tribute to the achievements of Pakistan's legendary chess player, Mian Sultan Khan.
The tournament attracted nearly 200 chess players from diverse backgrounds, including the diplomatic community, professionals, students, and the general public, demonstrating the strong appeal of the game in Bangladesh.
Bangladesh's Cultural Affairs Advisor, Mustafa Sarwar Farooqui, was present as the chief guest. Other special guests included Bangladesh Chess Federation President Syed Shujauddin Ahmed, Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Cultural Secretary Ashrafuddin Ahmed Ujjal, Grandmaster Niaz Murshed, and Bangladesh's first international master player, Rani Hamid.
The Ambassador of the Philippines, Nina P. Kinglet, High Commissioner of Sri Lanka, Dharmapala Werakkodi, High Commissioner of Brunei Darussalam, Haji Haris bin Usman, along with ambassadors from various countries in Dhaka, were also present as special guests.
Saqlain Mustafa Sajid emerged as the champion, while Manon Reza Neer was the runner-up. Subrata Biswas and Naeem Haque secured third and fourth places, respectively.
Cultural Affairs Advisor Mustafa Sarwar Farooqui and Pakistan High Commissioner Syed Ahmed Maruf presented trophies and cash prizes to the winners and best performers of the tournament.
Speaking at the award ceremony, Advisor Farooqui appreciated the Pakistan High Commission for providing a wonderful opportunity for Bangladeshi chess players and the diplomatic community to connect. He assured the Bangladesh Interim Government's full support for any future initiatives of the Pakistan High Commission.
Pakistan High Commissioner Syed Ahmed Maruf expressed his gratitude to the Bangladesh government and the Chess Federation for their support in organizing the tournament. He stressed the importance of sports events in strengthening people-to-people ties across borders.
“It is through such events that we are trying to strengthen the bonds of friendship and brotherhood between Pakistan and Bangladesh,” he said.
He added that the goal of the event was to celebrate Mian Sultan Khan's rich history and bring together chess enthusiasts and the diplomatic community of Bangladesh for a wholesome pastime.
At the beginning of the tournament, the High Commissioner expressed his condolences on the demise of Prince Karim Aga Khan (IV), describing him as a true friend of Pakistan, who made unforgettable contributions to the service of humanity under his visionary leadership.
The tournament participants also observed a minute of silence in his memory.
The High Commissioner congratulated the winners and best performers of the tournament and extended his best wishes for the third Mian Sultan Khan Tournament next year.
He thanked Cultural Affairs Advisor Mustafa Sarwar Farooqui, the ambassadors and diplomats of various countries, grandmasters, international masters, and media personnel for their presence at the event.
BDST: 1907 HRS, FEB 08, 2025
MN/MSK
