14th Rawalpindi Chess Championship Sparks Punjab’s Chess Revival

Rawalpindi – The 14th Rawalpindi Chess Championship concluded with great enthusiasm this past Sunday, highlighting the rising prominence of chess in Punjab. Organized by the Rawalpindi Chess Association (RCA) under the Chess Association of Punjab (CAP), the event took place at Bravo Foods in Commercial Market, attracting 85 skilled players from across the region.

The championship was honored by the presence of Chief Guest Mr. Masood Bukhari, Senior Vice President of CAP and Additional Commissioner of Rawalpindi Division. Mr. Bukhari lauded the organizers for their flawless execution and emphasized the transformative role of CAP in elevating chess throughout the province. “Under our dynamic leadership, we are building a sustainable ecosystem for chess, engaging the corporate sector, and promoting chess in education, inspiring a new generation of strategic thinkers across Punjab and beyond,” he remarked.

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The competition featured intense battles across multiple categories. National Master Anees Ur Rehman Zaidi claimed first place in the prestigious Open Category, followed by Salman Ali Khan in second. The U-13 category spotlighted emerging talent with Musa Rizwan taking the top spot and Meekail Shoaib as runner-up. In the Women’s Category, Sara Noor Khalid emerged victorious, with Iqra Naaz securing second place.

District Sports Officer Mr. Touheed Shamas Abbasi also praised the event and the dedicated organizing team, highlighting the pivotal roles of Raja Gauhar Iqbal, Treasurer CAP and Secretary General RCA, and the President of RCA in revitalizing the country’s chess scene.

This championship is a testament to the visionary leadership of Dr. Naeem Rauf, President of CAP and Chairman of the Planning & Development Board Punjab, whose efforts have raised the standard of chess tournaments across the region.

The Secretary General of CAP reaffirmed the association’s commitment to promoting chess at the grassroots level through initiatives like the ‘Chess in Education’ program. He expressed gratitude for the support of Punjab’s Minister for Sports, Malik Faisal Khokhar, and Minister for Education, Rana Sikandar Hayat, whose backing is vital for institutionalizing the sport.

Bravo Foods played a key role as the venue partner, providing a vibrant atmosphere and excellent hospitality. Encouraged by the success of this event, CAP and RCA plan to extend similar championships to Attock and Islamabad.

The 14th Rawalpindi Chess Championship stands as a significant milestone in Punjab’s growing chess renaissance, combining competitive spirit, community engagement, and exceptional organization to further the mission of making chess a celebrated sport across Pakistan.