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Chess will be included in the 2022 Asian Indoor and Martial Arts Games. This was announced by Thailand Chess Association President Sahapol Nakvanich.

The 6th Asian Indoor and Martial Arts Games are scheduled to be a pan-Asian multi-sport event in indoor and martial arts sports scheduled 10 to 20 March 2022 in the Thai capital city, Bangkok and the province of Chonburi. Originally due to take place from 21 to 30 May 2021, the event was postponed in January 2021 as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. The Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) officially awarded the games to Bangkok and Chonburi Province and signed the hosting rights contact in April 2020.

“I had to fight to include chess,” Thailand Chess Association president Sahapol Nakvanich explained. “Normally, Organizing Committees want sports where the host is assured to win medals. But I told them we need chess because ASEAN chess is indigenous to Thailand,” he added.

Thailand Chess Association President Sahapol Nakvanich (left) and at the Asian Amateur Chess Championship in Thailand (right)

It will be the first Asian Indoor and Martial Arts Games, co-hosted by two cities/provinces; the Thai capital city of Bangkok which will host the games for the third time after  the inaugural edition in 2005 and the martial arts edition in 2009 and the province of Chonburi, located 100 kilometres southwest of the capital. It will be a test event for the joint candidacy from Bangkok and Chonburi Province for hosting 2030 Summer Youth Olympic Games also. This edition was most notable for being the first edition to include badminton, BMX cycling, cheerleading, floorball, indoor rowing, netball, shooting and volleyball; as well as having the highest number of sports in the history of the games, at a total of 29.

The medal sports are: chess, indoor athletics, cue sports, bowling, dance sport, futsal, roller sports, sport climbing, short course swimming, muay thai, jujitsu, BMX cycling, hoop takraw/speak takraw, kurash, floorball, netball, taekwondo, indoor hockey, karate, esports, badminton, pencak silat, cheerleading, sambo, indoor rowing, volleyball, basketball 3×3, traditional wrestling and kickboxing.

Asian Chess Federation approved the Technical Handbook. The Chess competition will consist of six events

Invited are 45 countries whose National Olympic Committee is recognized by the Olympic Council of Asia and 18 countries whose National Olympic Committee is recognized by the Oceania National Olympic Committees.

Teqball and air sports have been included as demonstration events.

Turkmenistan’s capital Ashgabat staged the last AIMAG in 2017.

The first Asian Indoor Games was held in Bangkok, Thailand in 2005, the second in Macau, China in 2007 and the third in Hanoi, Vietnam in 2009. The first Asian Martial Arts Games was held in Bangkok, Thailand in 2009. The two events merged to form the Asian Indoor and Martial Arts Games for the 2013 event in Incheon, Korea.

By Marlon Bernardino.

Laguna Heroes shoots for the semis berth when it tangles with Antipolo Cobras on Wednesday, March 24, 2021 at chess.com.
Two-time Asian Junior Champion and Arizona, US based Grandmaster Rogelio “Banjo” Barcenilla Jr. will carry the fight for the Laguna Heroes backed up by Greatech Philippines, Inc., SDC Global Choice, Jolly Smile Dental Clinic and Rotary Club of Nuvali.
“With the elims now over, our total concentration is on reaching the semis,” said Arena Grandmaster Dr. Alfredo “Fred” Paez, one of the four co-team owners of the Laguna Heroes that includes Engr. Benjamin Dy, Engr. Jonathan Mamaril and Mr. David Nithyananthan.
Completing the team are FIDE Master Austin Jacob Literatus, Woman National Master Jean Karen Enriquez, FIDE Master Jose Efren Bagamasbad, Grandmaster John Paul Gomez, Vince Angelo Medina, Kimuel Aaron Lorenzo and Candidate Master Arjie Bayangat.
It shall be recalled that Laguna defeated Antipolo, 14-7, in their first meeting last January 27, 2021. Laguna also beat Antipolo, 19-2, during their second encounter last March 13, 2021.
Laguna Heroes wrapped up the elimination round of the Professional Chess Association of the Philippines (PCAP) All-Filipino tournament with a huge 20-1 victory over Quezon City Simba’s Tribe last Saturday, March 20, 2021. Laguna easily blasted Quezon City in blitz (6-1) and rapid (14-0).
“Our last match in the elimination round was still filled with tensions. It was truly important for the final ranking before the playoffs. I admire the decisiveness of the Laguna Heroes for scoring 20-1 against Quezon City. We are indeed lucky for being on top after 34 rounds.”  added Dr. Fred Paez, who is also the president of the Philippine Executive Chess Association.
The Laguna team cruised to a 30-4 win loss card, the same output of San Juan and Iloilo.
However, Laguna became overall topnotcher with 509 points, besting San Juan’s 503.5 points and Iloilo’s 508 points.-Marlon Bernardino-
Photo shows 2-time Asian Junior Champion and Arizona, US based Grandmaster Rogelio “Banjo” Barcenilla Jr.
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Schedule
March 24, 2021 : Division Quarter Finals
March 27, 2021 : Division Semi Finals
March 31, 2021 : Division Finals
APRIL 3, 2021 : Grand Finals
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Results
Laguna vs Rizal, 17.5-3.5, January 16, 2021
Laguna vs San Juan, 9-12, January 20, 2021
Laguna vs Caloocan, 10-11, January 20, 2021
Laguna vs Cavite, 14-7, January 23, 2021
Laguna vs Olongapo, 18-3, January 23, 2021
Laguna vs Pasig, 12-9, January 27, 2021
Laguna vs Antipolo, 14-7, January 27, 2021
Laguna vs Cagayan, 17.5-3.5, January 30, 2021
Laguna vs Isabela, 11-10, January 30, 2021
Laguna vs Manila, 11.5-9.5, February 3, 2021
Laguna vs Quezon, 19-2, February 3, 2021
Laguna vs Cebu, 20-1, February 6, 2021
Laguna vs Cordova, 16-5, February 6, 2021
Laguna vs Iloilo, 8.5-12.5, February 10, 2021
Laguna vs Iriga, 17.5-3.5, February 10, 2021
Laguna vs Lapu-Lapu, 17-4, February 13, 2021
Laguna vs Mindoro, 16-5, February 13, 2021
Laguna vs Negros, 12.5-8.5, February 17, 2021
Laguna vs Palawan, 18-3, February 17, 2021
Laguna vs Surigao, 13-8, February 24, 2021
Laguna vs Toledo, 18-3, February 24, 2021
Laguna vs Zamboanga, 10.5-10.5 (armageddon 2-1), February 27, 2021
Laguna vs Camarines, 12.5-8.5, February 27, 2021
Laguna vs Rizal, 12.5-8.5, March 3, 2021
Laguna vs San Juan, 11-10, March 3, 2021
Laguna vs Caloocan, 7.5-13.5, March 6, 2021
Laguna vs Cavite, 17.5-3.5, March 6, 2021
Laguna vs Olongapo, 17-4, March 10, 2021
Laguna vs Pasig, 17-4, March 10, 2021
Laguna vs Antipolo, 19-2, March 13, 2021
Laguna vs Cagayan, 17.5-3.5, March 13, 2021
Laguna vs Isabela, 20-1, March 17, 2021
Laguna vs Manila, 17-4, March 17, 2021
Laguna vs Quezon, 20-1, March 20, 2021

SDBK wins by Armageddon Tie Break

SDBK Senevirathne of Maliyadeva College beat Sanudula Dahamdi of Musaeus College in an exciting match which went till the 3^rd tie breaker, the Armageddon game to complete the Championships. When the final stage began at 9.00 a.m. today, Sanidula Dahamdi met SDBK Seneviratne in the finals and Brijeash Saravanabhavan  of Gateway College met Dinul Vinsitha Weerasekera of Dharmapala Vidyalaya, Pannipitiya in the consolation finals.

Sanudula won the 1^st round game playing Black pieces in the morning while SDBK Senevirathne won the 2^nd game in the evening. So, the players shared the points and tie breaks were needed. The Arbiters set 15minutes in the clocks with 10 Second increments for the Rapid game. There ap.m. giving four minutes to Black, SDBK Senevirathne and 5 minutes to the white, Sanidula. JJust needing a draw for the Championship SDBK Seneviratne of Maliyadeva College came strongly to win the Armageddon game in style. It was really exciting Chess.

Brijesh won the consolation finals convincingly. SDBK Bagged Rs. 25,000/= with the Championship Trophy and the Gold Medal while Sanidula won the Silver Medal with Rs. 15,000/= in cash. Brijeash got Rs. 10,000/= with the Bronze Medal and Dinul had to satisfy for RS. 5,000/= with 4^th place. The respective group winners, Sanidula, Dinul and Disal Weerasekara of Dharmaraja College in Group X and SDBK, Brijeash and Vivas Samarakoon of Royal College are awarded with the Group medals of Gold Silver and Bronze with winners getting Trophies.

The 1st round of the 2nd Sri Lanka Youth (Under 14Yrs) Chess Grand Prix 2021 was held with the participation of 24 leading Youth Chess players in the country from 9th to 14th with the health guidelines issued by the Ministry of Health and the Director General of Sports Medicine Unit, Ministry of Sports. The evet was conducted by Chess Federation of Sri Lanka in two 11 round, round robin events X and Y with the winner and Runner up in each group playing a knocked out event for the Championship.

The Prize Distribution was held after the event at the CFSL HQ, Nugegoda with Mr. Luxman Wijesuriya, President of Chess Federation as the Chief Guest. Mr. Malith Akalanka, The Secretary General and Mr. Erosh Jayasinghe also attended.

Whole event was live broadcasted using DGT Chess Boards while a live streaming with commentaries from the National Chess Champion Ranindu Dilshan Liyanage and former National Chess Champion, Dulan Edirisinghe was arranged at Chess Federation of Sri Lanka FB Page.

Arundi Beminiwatte of Minneriya Primary school won the Championship of the CFSL Online Youth  (Under 10 Yrs Girls) Chess Championship 2021 scoring 6 ½ points out of 7 games convincingly. Arundi was unbeaten throughout giving a draw in the 5^th round to Senulya and scoring two full points with Mihindi Ariyasinghe ans Sasmi Sithiumsa. Arundi wins the Championship title with the Trophy and the Gold Medal.

Oshini Gunawardena(Furguson High School) being the top seed placed 2^nd after a tie break with 6 points. She lost to Chanthuli De Silva(Anula Vidyalaya) in the fifth round and recovered with two wins against GHS Senulya and Devmi Seya to win the Silver Medal.

HG Sasmi Sithumsa(Lyceum International School, Ratnapura) won the 3^rd place since he tiebreak points was poor after tying with 6 points to the 2^nd place. She beat Vihansa Hewapathirana and Chenthuli De Silva and lost to the Champion, Arundi in the last round to win the Bronze Medal. Mihelee Vihara Warnasooriya(Maliyadeva Balika Vidyalaya) also scored 6 points but had to satisfy with the fourth place due to the poor tie breaking points.

The CFSL Online Under 10 yrs Girls Chess Championship 2021 was conducted by the Chess Federation of Sri Lanka on Chess.com flatform with all precautions for cheating. The event was played on Swiss System over 7 rounds with the Rapid Chess time control of 15 minutes + 10 second increment per each move per side.

As precautionary measures, all players were forced to be in a zoom meeting throughout their game with cameras and microphones opened with their screen also shared. The Arbiters were closely observing their action and the games played are sent for anti-cheating experts for checking. The CFSL had declared 2 year ban from all types of Chess if someone found guilty in cheating.

The Final Standings:

The CFSL Online Youth (Under 10 Years) Open Chess Championship 2021 will be held on 3^rd and 4^th April 2021 at the Chess.com flatform with the same regulations.

by Marlon Bernardino.
Laguna Heroes beat Quezon City Simba’s Tribe, 20-1, to move to overall topnotcher at the end of the Professional Chess Association of the Philippines eliminations on Saturday, March 20 at chess.com.
The Heroes showed a collective effort in the rapid game with 2-time Asian Junior Champion Grandmaster Rogelio “Banjo” Barcenilla Jr., FIDE Master Austin Jacob Literatus, Woman National Master Jean Karen Enriquez, FIDE Master Jose Efren Bagamasbad, Grandmaster John Paul Gomez, Vince Angelo Medina and Kimuel Aaron Lorenzo posting wins.
National Master Carlos Edgardo Garma and Benjamin Lising settled for a draw in the blitz game against FM Literatus and GM Gomez, respectively, to prevent a possible shut-out loss for the Simba’s Tribe.
“Our last match in the elimination round was still filled with tensions. It was truly important for the final ranking before the playoffs. I admire the decisiveness of the Laguna Heroes for scoring 20-1 against Quezon City. We are indeed lucky for being on top after 34 rounds,”  said Arena Grandmaster Dr. Alfredo “Fred” Paez, one of the four co-team owners of the Laguna Heroes together with Engr. Benjamin Dy, Engr. Jonathan Mamaril and Mr. David Nithyananthan.
Backed up by Greatech Philippines, Inc., SDC Global Choice, Jolly Smile Dental Clinic and Rotary Club of Nuvali, Laguna easily blasted Quezon City in blitz (6-1) and rapid (14-0).
The Laguna team which cruised to a 30-4 win loss card, the same output of San Juan and Iloilo.
However, Laguna becane overall topnotcher with 509 points, besting San Juan’s 503.5 points and Iloilo’s 508 points.
Playoffs start on Wednesday, March 24.
Laguna opposite Antipolo, Manila versus Rizal, San Juan will meet Pasig while Caloocan will face Cavite in the Northern Division.
Iloilo, meantime will square off with Cordova, Zamboanga versus Toledo, Camarines will match their skills against Mindoro while Negros will test the mettle of Lapu-Lapu.

Photo shows Arena Grandmaster Dr. Alfredo “Fred” Paez, one of the four co-team owners of the Laguna Heroes together with Engr. Benjamin Dy, Engr. Jonathan Mamaril and Mr. David Nithyananthan.
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Northern Conference (after 34 rounds of elimination round)
Laguna 30-4 win-loss (total points 509) Quarterfinalist
San Juan 30-4 win-loss (total points 503.5) Quarterfinalist
Caloocan 29-5 win-loss (total points 461.5) Quarterfinalist
Manila 23-11 win-loss (total points 418.5) Quarterfinalist
Rizal 23-11 win-loss (total points 384.5) Quarterfinalist
Cavite 18-16 win-loss (total points 363.5) Quarterfinalist
Pasig 17-17 win-loss (total points 372) Quarterfinalist
Antipolo 13-21 win-loss (total points 303) Quarterfinalist
Isabela 10-24 win-loss (total points 266.5)
Olongapo 12-22 win-loss (total points 289)
Cagayan 5-29 win-loss (total points 235)
Quezon 4-30 win-loss (total points 247)
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Southern Conference (after 34 rounds of elimination round)
Iloilo 30-4 win-loss (total points 508) Quarterfinalist
Camarines 29-5 win-loss (total points 470) Quarterfinalist
Negros 28-6 win-loss (total points 472) Quarterfinalist
Zamboanga 21-13 win-loss (total points 384) Quarterfinalist
Toledo 20-14 win-loss (total points 374.5) Quarterfinalist
Lapu-Lapu 15-19 win-loss (total points 333) Quarterfinalist
Mindoro 13-21 win-loss (total points 318.5) Quarterfinalist
Cordova 12-22 win-loss (total points 311.5) Quarterfinalist
Surigao 8-26 win-loss (total points 265.5)
Cebu 9-25 win-loss (total points 273.5)
Palawan 5-29 win-loss (total points 283.5)
Iriga 4-30 win-loss (total points 218.5)

Bhubaneswar (20 March 2021) :- In a successful meeting by the AICF President Dr Sanjay Kapoor, Secretary Shri Bharat Singh, Vice President Shri Bhavesh Patel and Treasurer Shri Naresh Sharma, the administrators of Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology and Kalinga Institute of Social Sciences Bhubaneswar, made a historic decision to implement Chess as part of curriculum for more than 60000 students under their educational institutions through AICF’s Chess in School project.

Dr Achuta Samanta, Founder KIIT & KISS stated that KISS became the first school in India to integrate Chess in its academic curriculum at school level as a non-credit course in collaboration with International Chess Federation (FIDE) and All India Chess Federation. The game of chess will boost better brain function, improved memory and cognitive abilities, strategic thinking and attention improvement of our students. It is in addition to all our contribution in promoting Chess and Chess Wizards globally. Hoping this integration will become an example for other schools to emulate.

The All India Chess Federation extends its heartfelt gratitude to great visionary, philanthropist and parliamentarian Dr Samanta for the great gesture for promotion of the game in India and Odisha in particular.

AICF also extends thanks to the officials and members of All Odisha Chess Association for their relentless efforts for development of the game at grass root level in the state of Odisha.

by Marlon Bernardino,
Philippine youth chess team standout Al-Basher “Basty” Buto won the 3rd Jessie Villasin Cup online chess tournament held via Lichess.org on Friday, March 19, 2021.
The 11-year-old wunderkind from Faith Christian School in Cainta, Rizal put on a strong start and a stronger finish to run away with the kiddy crown with 6 points in the seven-round rapid tilt (five minutes plus five seconds increment time control).
“I didn’t look to defend my title, just to play my best,” said, Buto, who played for the national team in the 2020 FIDE Online World Cadets and Youth Rapid Chess Championships.
“I knew that this was a tough tournament with all the players. I just tried to play my best and now I am really happy,” added the grade 5 pupil Buto, who hails from Marawi City.
Christian Tolosa of Imus, Cavite and Arnel Mahawan Jr. of Talacsan, San Rafael, Bulacan finished second and 3rd with 5 points apiece.
Sharing fourth to seventh places were inaugural winner Ivan Travis Cu of San Juan City, Oshrie Jhames “OJ” Reyes of Dila-Dila, Santa Rita, Pampanga, Gabriel Ryan Paradero of Pasig City and Yosef Immanuel Morada of Tuguegarao City who got 4.5 points each.
Rounding up to the top 10 with 4 points each were Quarl Maverick Vera Cruz of Balingoan, Misamis Oriental, Aldrich Milan Dela Rosa of Aklan and Vhea Ashley Silvano  of Canlaon city, Negros Oriental.
According to Mercer Island, Washington, USA based Jessie Villasin, the event aimed to develop good thinkers through the understanding of chess strategies and tactics, improving the logical abilities and rational thinking and reasoning of the participants, and instilling a sense of self-confidence, self-worth and camaraderie.

Recent years showed a tremendous surge of chess activity in this country where people say SAWASDEE KA! with the broadest of smiles as a form of greeting. One would be simply amazed of the huge turnout of participants as you go around the country from one tournament to another. Indeed, Chess in Thailand is rapidly gaining popularity these days.

Sahapol Nakvanich was recently elected President of the Thailand Chess Association by a landslide 26-5 margin over Panupand Vijjuprabha. In photo above, former President Kiitirat Na Ranong (left) congratulates newly elected President Sahapol Nakvanich.

“TCA would continue to extend our Cooperation with ACF to strengthen the mutual support for driving key developments that will progressively nurture chess in Thailand and deliver our commitments to ACF. With the pandemic situation continuing, we would use this opportunity to drive training program for East Asian countries that will continue to nurture our emerging talents,” Nakvanich wrote in his letter to the Asian Chess Federation.

TV interview of newly elected President Sahapol Nakvanich.

Bangkok, the capital dotted with hundreds of International Schools some of which offer Chess as an “after school activity” is now becoming a breeding ground for serious chess playing youngsters.

Thailand Chess Association General Assembly 

There is an abundance of Chess centers in the metropolis.  Jirapak Chess Academy, Big Rook Chess Academy, 101 Chess Academy, IWICA, Home Chess Academy, plus the newly opened ones Double Bishop Chess Academy and Red Knights Chess are a great contributing factor in shaping the future of the game in this country.

On top of that, one of the leaders of the governing Thailand Chess Association (TCA) Mr. Sahapol Nakvanich is presently a high ranking figure in the World Chess Federation (FIDE). Such voice in the global chess body may have been vital in boosting the game’s popularity.

Thailand, apart from being ranked as one of the most visited countries by tourists around in the world, has been hosting a lot of international chess events over the last few years such as Asian Amateurs, Eastern Asia Youth, Asian Youth Championship, among others.

Well, all the signs could elicit hope and optimism. Of course the need to continuously strive in threading a correct way of planning as well as embarking on good programs is always a must. 

NM Winston Joseph Silva

Chess Federation of Pakistan president and newly-elected Deputy Chairman of the Senate, Mirza Mohammad Afridi, is the first parliamentarian from the erstwhile Federally Administered Tribal Areas to occupy the coveted post in parliament.

The lawmaker (right) is a business tycoon and amateur chess player. 

Hailing from Khyber tribal district, Mirza Afridi was elected member of the Senate as an independent candidate in 2018 elections. After the polls, he joined the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz, but later switched over to the Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) the same year.

Meeting of Chess Federation of Pakistan last January.

Mirza Afridi, who belongs to Sepah clan, a sub-tribe of Afridi tribe, is a Lahore-based business tycoon who has investment in textile and electronics.

Chess Federation of Pakistan Meeting and Election

Mirza Afridi’s family had been taking part in electoral politics and remained associated with all major political parties. His uncle Mohammad Shah Afridi was elected Senator during the Benazir Bhutto era. One of his close relatives, Mohammad Ayub Afridi, was elected Senator on the PTI ticket in 2018, while another close relative Manzoor Afridi is considered close to Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam-Fazl chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman. Mr Manzoor had also been considered for the post of caretaker chief minister in 2018.

CFP Vice President and Delegate Amin Malik (right) congratulating Senator Afridi

Mirza Afridi is an amateur chess player and he was elected president of the Chess Federation of Pakistan in January.

Senator Mirza Mohammad Afridi gives his acceptance speech as newly elected President of the Chess Federation of Pakistan.

Javed Afridi, owner of the Peshawar Zalmi franchise and a cousin of Mirza Afridi, termed his election as Senate deputy chairman a big win for the people of the tribal districts.

Mr Javed said that Mirza Afridi was a highly educated person who also earned a master’s in business administration from Singapore. He would play his role on the legislation side for the welfare of the deprived people, Mr Javed said.