Chess needs proper promotion: Mirza
Thursday, 22 Jul, 2010
ISLAMABAD: Shahzad Mirza, an outstanding chess player, has stressed the need for providing equal promotion opportunities to the mind game, the same way as cricket, hockey and other sports in Pakistan are promoted.
“Every sport has its own worth and due to excessive promotion of cricket and hockey, people are not taking part in other games,” Shahzad told APP.
He said there is a lot of passion among the youngsters for chess and that gives him hope that Pakistan can go a long way in this game.
There is immense talent in the country and youngsters are keen to learn, which, he believes is an excellent thing for the development and growth of chess as a sport.
“These youngsters have tremendous abilities to shine at the international level. Pakistan’s chess future can be bright if proper measures are taken for this game.”
“Pakistan has a flair pool waiting to be polished. If a player does emerge, he is left to yearn for even a stipend rather than getting sponsors,” he said.
He said mind games like chess need sponsorship and funding in Pakistan and it is due to the lack of proper support that the sport is not being promoted as it should be.
“Even the public indifference to sports has grown. Interest can be generated by the media and educational institutes but in newspapers, news related to chess is less as compared to cricket and hockey,” he said.
He further said that sports like cricket are played in schools and colleges while indoor games are not encouraged.
“We should promote these games in schools and colleges as well so that it helps the younger chess players,” he said.
He added that tournaments must be organized all over the country to encourage the youngsters and promote chess. – APP
Source: http://www.dawn.com
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