Chess agreement between Turkey and Pakistan

KARACHI: Turkish Chess Federation (TCF) and Mind Sports Association of Pakistan (MSAP) have signed an agreement for promotion and development of chess in Pakistan. Both countries will be playing an annual chess series in Turkey and Pakistan. Besides, TCF will also help Pakistan in coaching and training during their visit to that country. 

The agreement was signed by TCF Chief Ali Nihat Yazici, who is also a Vice President of World Chess Federation (FIDE), and Director Tariq Rasheed Khan on behalf of Chairman Khurshid Hadi, who is in London. 

“Pakistan is a brotherly country and we would be looking forward to their progress in chess with our assistance”, Ali Nihat Yazici, said in a statement. As per the agreement, a 10-member team of men and women with an official will be visiting each other’s country with the host country providing board and lodging and transport during their stay in the country. 

“We are absolutely delighted with this agreement,” Tariq said while releasing the details of the agreement on Tuesday. 

Turkey has over 30 Grand Masters (GM), dozens of International Masters (IM), five foreign coaches and 60,000 chess teachers in schools. 

“It’s a major breakthrough for us as Turkey is a highly rated country in the world of chess. Exposure against their players will help us in greatly improving our game,” said Mahmood Lodhi, Pakistan’s record 13-time national champion and an IM. “Regularly playing against top Turkish players may help me realise my dream of reaching the GM level,” Lodhi said. 

IM Shahzad Mirza, who is also a former Secretary General, Chess Federation of Pakistan, said India, Iran, Turkey and Bangladesh had many GMs, but Pakistan had failed to produce one in the last 15 years. 

“This agreement for visits of chess teams on yearly basis will provide significant push to the game of chess in Pakistan,” he said.