The Chess Federation of Pakistan concluded the 34th National Men’s Chess Championship and the 10th National Women’s Chess Championship at the Pakistan Sports Complex in Islamabad.
Zaman Sohaib of the Higher Education Commission and Punjab’s Fariha Siddiq won the national titles after outperforming 250 players from across Pakistan in the country’s premier chess competition.
Federal Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Dr Tariq Fazal Chaudhry attended the closing ceremony as Chief Guest and distributed prizes among the winners, while senior parliamentarians, government officials and sports leaders participated as Guests of Honour. Zaman Sohaib secured the men’s national title with five points, while Punjab’s M Zarwais Shabkhez finished second with 4.5 points. AR Akhtar of the Higher Education Commission claimed third place on tie-break after also scoring 4.5 points. Fariha Siddiq remained unbeaten throughout the women’s championship to claim the national title with 10.5 points. Zainubia Wasif finished runner-up with nine points, while Javeria secured third place with eight points. The championship showcased some of Pakistan’s finest chess talent and highlighted the growing popularity of the sport across the country. Addressing the closing ceremony, Dr Tariq Fazal Chaudhry said Pakistan’s stature at the international level was steadily rising and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to promoting sports, nurturing talent and creating opportunities for young athletes.
He lauded Chess Federation of Pakistan President Syed Zeeshan Ali Naqvi for his contributions to Pakistani sports and expressed confidence that the federation would further strengthen chess in the country under his leadership.
Federal Secretary for Inter-Provincial Coordination Mohyuddin Ahmad Wani congratulated the Chess Federation of Pakistan on successfully organising the championship and assured continued government support for the promotion of chess in Pakistan. The Guests of Honour included Federal Secretary for Inter Provincial Coordination Mohyuddin Ahmad Wani, Member of the National Assembly, President of the Young Parliamentarians Forum and Chairperson of the National Assembly Standing Committee on National Heritage and Culture Syeda Nosheen Iftikhar, Senator Nuzhat Sadiq, Member of the National Assembly and Parliamentary Secretary for National Heritage and Culture Farah Naz Akbar, Parliamentary Secretary for Federal Education and Professional Training Wajiha Qamar, Prime Minister’s Coordinator Rana Ehsan Afzal Khan, Chess Federation of Pakistan President Syed Zeeshan Ali Naqvi, Vice President Rehan Azam and President of the Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists Afzal Butt.
Syeda Nosheen Iftikhar announced a cash award of Rs100,000 for specially abled player Saeeba Shah and Rs25,000 for the oldest participant of the championship. Senator Nuzhat Sadiq said empowering young talent in line with the Prime Minister’s vision was the need of the hour and expressed confidence that the Chess Federation would create greater opportunities for aspiring players.MNA Farah Naz Akbar described the championship as an important milestone for the promotion of chess in Pakistan. At the conclusion of the ceremony, trophies, medals, certificates and prize cheques were distributed among the winners. Chess Federation of Pakistan President Syed Zeeshan Ali Naqvi thanked the distinguished guests, players, officials, media representatives and organisers and reaffirmed the federation’s commitment to holding more national and international chess events in the future.
