FIDE in the Corona pandemic took a historic step for the promotion of Chess worldwide with the concept of Stay Home, Stay Safe, Play Chess. Pakistan Chess Federation fully supported and wholeheartedly participated in FIDE-Checkmate Coronavirus Initiative. The CFP took part in this global campaign to the best of its abilities and organized almost 47 tournaments on a daily basis. Tournaments were supervised by Mr. Amin Malik- (Vice President Chess Federation of Pakistan and Delegate) himself and daily reported FIDE about its activities under Checkmate coronavirus initiative.
As a goodwill gesture we allowed many Chess players from all over Asia, Africa and other parts of the world who vigorously participated in FIDE checkmate coronavirus tournaments organized by the CFP. These matches were strictly monitored, and CFP ensured that no unfair means were used during the event.
Although the campaign was intended to increase the participation and engagement of Chess players, the CFP also maintained record of the top position holders in these tournaments, to increase competitive sportsman spirit and motivate Chess players to compete with new vigor and zeal. During the process of final lucky draw by FIDE, the CFP members won six prizes which included two guest invitations to the Chess Olympiad 2021 in Moscow. The mega prize winners were Dr. Masood Khattak and Salman Nizamani. Two other members Waqas Dogar and Imran Mughal who won two 2 hours online training by a GM and two members Musavir Khan and Kashif Javaid won two souvenirs.
The CFP organized almost 47 tournaments and points were awarded to top ten players of each tournament. Top players from all over Pakistan, including all National masters, participated in these tournaments under the CFP platform. Out of hundreds of players, 81 players scored at least one top ten performance in a tournament, showing the growing strength of players across the country, while the over-all performance of our top five players were amazingly consistent. Sibt Ali scored marathon 221 points with 10 tournament wins, Daniyal Ahsan scored 155, Dr Muhammad Ayoub got third spot with 143 points over-all.
The Chess Federation of Pakistan fully supports FIDE and Asian Chess Federation for the promotion of Chess worldwide. The CFP would continue to organise online Chess events in the wake of Covid-19 issue and engage our players in healthy mental activity through regularly organizing online tournaments.
