Bangladesh Chess Federation has maintained the continuity of organising chess competitions over the board in Dhaka city which is the capital of Bangladesh. Over-the-board chess competitions resumed last January after a long hiatus due to the Corona virus Covid-19. So far, Bangladesh Chess Federation has organized Mujib hundred Years Invitational Rating Chess Competition, Marcel 2nd Division Chess League and WALTON First Division Chess League.
The WALOTN 1st Division Chess League was held from February 25 to March 7, 2021 under the auspices of WALTON Group, the largest electronics manufacturer in the country. This time WALTON 1st Division Chess League is represented by 12 teams players where 61 players from Bangladesh and 8 players including one IM from India. The 1st Division Chess League is a closed team chess event. The competition was officially inaugurated on February 25 by F M Iqbal Bin Anwar (Dawn), Executive Director and Head of Games & Welfare of WALTON Group.
Rupali Bank Krira Parishad (photo above) became unbeaten champion. Rupali Bank Krira Parisad earned 21 points after 11th round matches to clinch the title. Players of Rupali Bank Krira Parisad are: IM Neelash Saha (India), Arpan Das (India), CM Saiful Islam Chowdhury, Shafiq Ahmed, Md. Nurul Islam and Md. Shafiqul Islam.
Manha’s Castle (photo above) became Runners-Up with 19 points. Players of Manha’s Castle are: Anata Choudhury, CM S M Sharon, FM Mohammad Javed, CM Sharif Hossain, Mostakim Billah and Suhasini Marium Manha.
Sultana Kamal Smirity Pathagar (photo above) became 3rd with 18 points. Players of Sultana Kamal Smirity Pathagar’s are: Feroz Ahmed, Arpal Das (Jr. India), Mohammmad Shameem, Arya Bhakta (India), Mortuza Mahathir Islam and Md. Saiful Islam.
Other position’s are: 4th-Dhaka Chess Club, points-11, Game points-23½, 5th-Esoft Arena Chess Club, Points-11, Game points-21, 6th-Khelaghar Daba Sangah of Gopalganj, points-10, Game points-20½, 7th-Agrani Bank Daba Dal, points-10, Game points-19½, 8th-Mir Chess Club, points-9, 9th-Basir Memorial Chess Club, points-8, game points-18½, 10th-Kasparov Chess Club, points-8, game points-16, 11th-Morning Glory Chess Club, ponts-6 and 12- Dhaka Knight’s Chess Club (photo below).
Board Prizes goes to: 1st Board-IM Neelash Saha of Rupali Bank, 2nd Board- Sourath Biswas of Dhaka Chess Club, 3rd-CM Saifur rahman Chowdhury of Rupali Bank, 4th Board Arya Bhakta of Sultana Kamal Smirity Pathagar, Reserve 1-A. B. Bappi of Esoft Arena Chess Club and Reserve 2-Shazzad Kishor of Dhaka Knight’s Chess Club (photo below).
Mr. F. M. Iqbal Bin Anowar (Dawn), Executive Director and Head of Games & Welfare of WALTON Group distributed prizes among winners as chief guest in the prize distribution and closing ceremony. K M Shahidullah, Vice President of Bangladesh Chess Federation presided over the ceremony. Syed Shahab Uddin Shamim, General Secretary Bangladesh Chess Federation and President FIDE Zone-3.2 was present as special guest. Masudur Rahman Mallick Dipu, Joint Secretary of Bangladesh Chess Federation and Secretary Chess League Committee and International Arbiter Md Haroon Or Rashid gave speeches. Md. Sajo; Mahmud, Executive Member of Bangladesh Chess Federation was present in the ceremony.
Champion Rupali Bank Krira Parisad received fifty thousand taka cash prize, trophy, medals and WALTON Home appliances. Runners-Up Manha’s Castle received thirty thousand taka cash prize, trophy, medals and WALTON Home appliances and 3rd Sultana Kamal Smirity Pathagar received twenty thousand taka cash prize, trophy, medals and WALTON Home appliances. Champion Rupali Bank Krira Parisad and Runners-Up Manha’s Castle promoted in the Premier Division Chess League-2022. Morning Glory Chess Club, Kushtia and Dhaka Knight’s Chess Club relegated in the 2nd Division Chess League. The event was held in round-robin league system.
IA Md Haroon Or Rashid
