Chess Federation Pakistan

CHESS FEDERATION PAKISTAN
OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASE

Date: 01 August 2026

Syeda Minahil Abdul Rehman Wins Bronze Medal and "Young Goodwill Ambassador Award" at the 2nd World Greater Bay Area Youth Exchange Chess Tournament 2026

The Chess Federation Pakistan is proud to announce another remarkable international achievement by one of Pakistan's brightest young chess talents.

Syeda Minahil Abdul Rehman, the Current National Youth Champion (Under-16 Girls), represented Pakistan in the Persian Gulf Regional Team at the prestigious 2nd World Greater Bay Area Youth Exchange Chess Tournament 2026, hosted by the Shenzhen Chess Academy and held in Shenzhen, Guangdong Province, China.

The tournament brought together talented young chess players and teams from different regions of the world, promoting international friendship, cultural exchange, and excellence in chess.

Demonstrating exceptional skill, determination, and sportsmanship, Syeda Minahil Abdul Rehman secured 3rd Position (Bronze Medal). In recognition of her exemplary conduct and outstanding representation, she was also honored with the prestigious "Young Goodwill Ambassador Award."

Her outstanding performance has brought great pride to Pakistan and is another milestone in the continued progress of Pakistani chess on the international stage.

Message from Mr. Hanif Qureshi
President, Chess Federation Pakistan 🇵🇰

"On behalf of the Chess Federation Pakistan, I extend my heartfelt congratulations to Syeda Minahil Abdul Rehman on her remarkable achievement at the 2nd World Greater Bay Area Youth Exchange Chess Tournament 2026.

Winning the Bronze Medal along with the prestigious 'Young Goodwill Ambassador Award' is a testament to her hard work, dedication, discipline, and exceptional talent. She has brought great honor to Pakistan and has brightened the country's name on the international chess stage.

I also congratulate her parents, coaches, mentors, and everyone who supported her throughout this journey. We are proud of her achievement and wish her continued success, many more international titles, and a bright future in chess."

The Chess Federation Pakistan remains committed to promoting young talent and providing opportunities for Pakistani players to excel internationally. Syeda Minahil Abdul Rehman's achievement serves as an inspiration for the next generation of chess players across the country.

The entire chess community joins in congratulating her on this memorable success and wishes her many more achievements in the years to come.

Congratulations, Syeda Minahil Abdul Rehman!
Pakistan Zindabad! 🇵🇰♟️

Issued by:

Muhammad Waqar
Rating & Development Officer
Chess Federation Pakistan

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1GQss5wwXV/

FM Amer Karim and Hafiza Mashal Rashid Crowned Pakistan's National Chess Champions 2026

Karachi, 16 July 2026

The 34th National Men Chess Championship and 9th National Women Chess Championship 2026 concluded successfully after six days of high-level competition held from 11–16 July 2026 at the prestigious Beach Luxury Hotel, Karachi.

Organized by the Chess Federation Pakistan (CFP), the championships brought together Pakistan's strongest chess players representing provinces, departments, affiliated units, clubs and institutions from across the country. Conducted strictly in accordance with the FIDE Laws of Chess and FIDE Rating Regulations, the championships were officially FIDE-rated, ensuring that every game contributed to the international ratings of participating players.

The event carried exceptional national significance as it marked the return of Pakistan's National Chess Championship to Karachi after 14 years, bringing the country's most prestigious chess competition back to Pakistan's largest city and reaffirming Karachi's historic role in the development of chess in the country.

Following eleven exciting rounds in the Men's Championship, FM Amer Karim emerged as the 34th National Men's Chess Champion of Pakistan, while Hafiza Mashal Rashid produced an outstanding performance to become the 9th National Women's Chess Champion of Pakistan after eight rounds of play.

Final Standings
34th National Men Chess Championship 2026

🥇 FM Amer Karim – National Champion

🥈 AFM Muhammad Khurram Qureshi

🥉 AIM Muhammad Ayoub

4th – CM Mafaaz Khalid

5th – NM Junaid Sohail

9th National Women Chess Championship 2026

🥇 Hafiza Mashal Rashid – National Champion

🥈 WCM Aayat Asmi

🥉 Zainab Rehman

4th – Huda Binte Ahsan

5th – Rumaysa Batool

The championships witnessed highly competitive games, remarkable fighting spirit and exemplary sportsmanship, reflecting the tremendous progress achieved by Pakistani chess during recent years and the emergence of an exciting new generation of talented players.

The championship also served as the official selection event for Pakistan's national teams. The top five finishers in both the Men's and Women's Championships earned the honour of representing Pakistan at the 46th FIDE Chess Olympiad, scheduled to be held in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, where more than 200 national federations from across the world are expected to compete in the world's largest and most prestigious team chess championship.

Demonstrating its continued commitment to raising national standards, the Chess Federation Pakistan provided one of the finest playing environments ever offered at a National Chess Championship in Pakistan. Participants were provided with excellent playing conditions, quality accommodation, meals, professional tournament management and internationally qualified arbiters. The Federation also awarded cash prizes worth PKR 1 million, together with trophies, medals and certificates, making it one of the most rewarding National Championships in Pakistan's chess history.

The Closing Ceremony was graced by Mr. Arshad Vohra member of National Assembly as the Chief Guest. Distinguished guests included Mr. Mohammad Ahmed Ansari, Consul General of the Czech Republic, and Mr. Tariq Pervez, Director Youth Program, Pakistan Scrabble Association. The ceremony was also attended by officials of the Chess Federation Pakistan, sponsors, arbiters, coaches, players, media representatives and a large number of chess enthusiasts who gathered to celebrate the successful conclusion of Pakistan's premier national chess event.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Hanif Qureshi, President of Chess Federation Pakistan, said:

"The successful organization of these National Championships reflects the remarkable progress chess has made in Pakistan over the past few years. Bringing this prestigious championship back to Karachi after 14 years carries special significance and demonstrates our commitment to expanding chess across every region of the country. I congratulate our newly crowned National Champions, FM Amer Karim and Hafiza Mashal Rashid, as well as all players who competed with exceptional determination and sportsmanship. I also extend my sincere appreciation to the entire organizing team of Chess Federation Pakistan, particularly our Karachi Organizing Committee under the leadership of Ms. Saira Leghari, whose dedication and professionalism were instrumental in the outstanding success of this championship. Together we continue to build a stronger future for Pakistani chess and prepare our national teams to compete with distinction at the forthcoming FIDE Chess Olympiad in Samarkand."

The Chess Federation Pakistan congratulates all participants and thanks the organizing committee, arbiters, volunteers, sponsors, Beach Luxury Hotel Karachi, media representatives and members of the chess community whose support contributed to the outstanding success of the championships.

Issued by

Chess Federation Pakistan (CFP)

PRESS RELEASE

Pakistan's Biggest Chess Battle Begins! 🇵🇰♟️
34th National Men & 9th National Women Chess Championships 2026 Officially Open in Karachi
Top Players from Across Pakistan Begin Their Journey Towards the 46th FIDE Chess Olympiad, Samarkand, Uzbekistan
Karachi | 11 July 2026

Pakistan's premier chess event, the 34th National Men Chess Championship 2026 and the 9th National Women Chess Championship 2026, officially commenced today with a grand opening ceremony at the Beach Luxury Hotel, Karachi.

The championships were inaugurated by Mr. Hanif Qureshi, President, Chess Federation Pakistan (CFP), and Mr. Tariq Pervez, Chairman, WESPA Youth Committee (World English-language Scrabble Players Association), who attended as the Chief Guests. Following the ceremonial first moves, the First Round commenced in an exciting and competitive atmosphere.

The championships have brought together Pakistan's top chess players, including National Champions, FIDE-rated and titled players, representing Punjab, Sindh, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Balochistan, Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT), Azad Jammu & Kashmir (AJK), Gilgit-Baltistan (GB), universities, affiliated departments, services organizations, and regional chess associations.

The championships are officially endorsed and FIDE-rated, being conducted under the FIDE Laws of Chess and the regulations of the Chess Federation Pakistan.

The top five finishers in both the men's and women's championships will earn the honour of representing Pakistan at the 46th FIDE Chess Olympiad, to be held in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, in September 2026.

Message from the President
Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Hanif Qureshi, President, Chess Federation Pakistan, said:

"These National Championships represent the highest standard of chess in Pakistan. I warmly welcome all participants and wish them success as they compete with integrity, discipline, and sportsmanship. I am confident these championships will produce deserving champions who will proudly represent Pakistan at the 46th FIDE Chess Olympiad in Samarkand, Uzbekistan The Chess Federation Pakistan remains committed to promoting chess excellence and creating greater opportunities for our players at national and international levels."

The championships will continue until 16 July 2026, featuring eleven rounds of competition to determine Pakistan's National Champions.

Issued by:

Muhammad Waqar
Rating, Development Officer
Chess Federation Pakistan (CFP)

11–16 July 2026

"One Nation • One Board • One Dream • Together

Towards the 46th FIDE Chess Olympiad." 🇵🇰♟️

OFFICIAL ANNOUNCEMENT

34th National Men Chess Championship & 9th National Women Chess Championship – Pakistan 2026

The Chess Federation Pakistan proudly announces the 34th National Men Chess Championship and 9th National Women Chess Championship, to be held 11–16 July 2026 at Beach Luxury Hotel, Karachi.

Pakistan’s strongest players from across the country will compete in this official FIDE-rated National Championship for the nation’s highest chess honours. The event will also play a key role in the selection process for Pakistan’s representation at the 46th FIDE Chess Olympiad – Samarkand 2026, subject to CFP selection criteria.

Opening Ceremony: 11 July 2026
Championship Rounds: 11–16 July 2026
Closing & Prize Distribution: 16 July 2026

Registration

Eligible players are requested to complete the official registration form using the link below:

Google Registration Form:

https://forms.gle/QXYnk3ZvryS3M41t8

Message from the President

Mr. Hanif Qureshi, President – Chess Federation Pakistan

“We warmly welcome all players, arbiters, officials, coaches and chess enthusiasts to Karachi. These championships represent the pinnacle of competitive chess in Pakistan and our commitment to excellence. I wish every participant success as they compete with honour, determination and sportsmanship. May this championship inspire a new generation of champions and strengthen Pakistan’s presence on the international chess stage.”

The Chess Federation Pakistan welcomes players from every province and Pakistani players joining us from abroad. Together, let us celebrate excellence, unity and the enduring spirit of chess.

Every move matters. Every game counts. Every victory creates history.

11–16 July 2026
Beach Luxury Hotel, Karachi, Pakistan

Welcome to Pakistan’s Premier Chess Championship.
Welcome to Karachi.
Let the Games Begin!

Muhammad Waqar
Rating & Development Officer
Chess Federation Pakistan
+92 336 9111227

الحمدللہ

The wait is over.

Get Ready Chess Wizards of Pakistan 🇵🇰.

A Historic First for Pakistan Chess 🇵🇰♟️

Heartiest congratulations to Mr. Muhammad Yahya Cheema on achieving the prestigious title of FIDE Senior Lead Instructor (SLI) — a historic first for Pakistan. 🇵🇰✨

This is not just a personal achievement for Yahya, but a major milestone for the future of Chess in Education and the Prime Minister National Mind Sports Initiative in Pakistan.

With this title, Pakistan now has the capability to further develop and strengthen its own teacher training programs with local expertise on the ground — one of the most important areas for long-term national growth in chess and educational mind sports development.

For years, we dreamed of building strong local technical capacity in areas such as:
• Chess in Schools
• Teacher Training Programs
• Youth Chess Development
• National Technical Expertise
• Educational and Cognitive Development through Chess

Today, that vision moves another important step forward.

The Chess Federation Pakistan team has worked tirelessly in every area of development:
♟️ International participation
♟️ Federated tournament organisation
♟️ Youth development programs
♟️ Chess in Schools initiatives
♟️ FIDE ID expansion
♟️ Technical development and training

After producing more than 90 FIDE Arbiter titles for Pakistan, we have now proudly achieved the country’s first FIDE Senior Lead Instructor title — opening the door for structured local teacher training and wider introduction of chess into schools across Pakistan.

Special appreciation also to Mr. Yahya Cheema for his outstanding contribution as Chairman of the Policy Commission of Chess Federation Pakistan, where his dedication, vision, and hard work continue to play an important role in shaping the future of chess in Pakistan.

Congratulations once again on this remarkable and historic achievement.

The future of Pakistan chess is bright. 🇵🇰♟️

From

President, Team of CFP and Chess Community of Pakistan 🇵🇰