Times24.net: The High Commission for Pakistan in Dhaka, in collaboration with the Bangladesh Chess Federation, organized the 2nd Mian Sultan Khan Chess Tournament today at the Pakistan High Commission. The annual tournament honours the legacy of Mian Sultan Khan, Pakistan’s legendary Chess player.
The event saw an impressive participation of 200 chess players from diverse backgrounds, including diplomats, professionals, students, and chess enthusiasts, reflecting Bangladesh’s deep passion for the game.
Adviser on Cultural Affairs of Bangladesh, H.E. Mr. Mostofa Sarwar Farooki graced the occasion as the chief guest while dignitaries including President of Bangladesh Chess Federation, Syed Shujauddin Ahmed, Cultural Secretary, Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), Mr. Ashrafu din Ahmad Uzzal, and Bangladesh’s 1st International Master Player Rani Hamid, were present as Special Guests.
Ambassadors of various countries based in Dhaka including Ambassador of the Philippines, H.E MS. NINA P. CAINGLET, High Commissioner of Sri Lanka, H.E Mr. Dharmapala Weerakkody, High Commissioner of Brunei Darussalam Haji Haris bin Othman also attended the event as special guests.
Sakline Mostafa Sajid emerged as Champion of the tournament and Manon Reja Neer as runner-up while Mr. Subrota Biswas and Nayem Haque clinched 3rd and 4th place respectively.
Adviser on Cultural Affairs of Bangladesh, H.E. Mr. Mostofa Sarwar Farooki and Pakistan High Commissioner Syed Ahmed Maroof awarded trophies and cash prizes to the winner and top performers of the tournament.
Speaking at the Awards Distribution Ceremony, Adviser on Cultural Affairs H.E. Mr. Mostofa Sarwar Farooki commended the Pakistan High Commission for organizing the event, providing an excellent platform for chess players and the diplomatic community to engage. He assured the full support of the Bangladesh interim government for similar initiatives in the future.
High Commissioner Maroof expressed his gratitude to the Bangladesh Government and Chess Federation for their support in organizing the tournament. He highlighted the role of such events in strengthening people-to-people ties, saying “It is through such events that we strengthen people to people linkages and bonds of friendship and brotherhood between Pakistan and Bangladesh’’. He emphasized that the tournament was aimed at celebrating the rich legacy of Mian Sultan Khan and bringing together chess enthusiasts and the diplomatic community for a healthy, competitive activity.
Earlier, at the outset of the tournament, the High Commissioner expressed condolences at the sad demise of His Highness Prince Karim Aga Khan IV, recognizing him as a true friend of Pakistan whose visionary leadership illuminated many lives. The participants observed a moment of silence in his memory.
The High Commissioner congratulated the winner and best performers of the tournament while wishing all other participants the best for the 3rd Mian Sultan Khan tournament next year. He also thanked the Adviser for Cultural Affairs, H.E. Mr. Mostofa Sarwar Farooki, diplomats, the Grandmaster, International masters and media persons for their presence at the event.
