Bangladesh’s chess legend Rani Hamid has added yet another trophy to her illustrious career, leading Bangladesh Ansar & VDP to the Women’s Chess League title at the age of 82.
Her team remained unbeaten throughout the competition, finishing with 13 points from seven matches. Bangladesh Navy, also unbeaten with 13 points, ended as runners-up after game points were taken into account.
Ansar & VDP claimed 24 game points to secure the championship, while Bangladesh Navy earned 22.5 game points to finish second.
“I played four games. The entire team played well, and we became champions. In the previous edition, I played for the police team and won the championship,” said Rani Hamid. On continuing to compete at her age, she added, “I play regularly. As long as my body and mind are fine, there’s no problem. I will turn 83 in February, and I will play as long as I remain healthy.”
The Ansar & VDP squad included Women’s International Master Rani Hamid, Women’s Candidate Master Nushrat Jahan Alo, Women’s International Master Sharmin Sultana Shirin, Women’s FIDE Master Jannatul Ferdous, Women’s Candidate Master Nilava Chowdhury, and Women’s Candidate Master Omnia Binte Yusuf Lubaba.
Bangladesh Navy fielded Women’s Candidate Master Ahmed Walija, Women’s International Master Wadifa Ahmed, Women’s FIDE Master Noshin Anjum, Women’s FIDE Master Warsia Khushbu, and Women’s Candidate Master Kazi Zarin Tasnim.
In the seventh and final round at the Bangladesh Chess Federation hall, Ansar defeated South Point Sports Club 4–0 on game points, while Navy beat Dhaka University Chess Club (Women) 4–0.
Board prizes were awarded to: First Board – Women’s FIDE Master Tanima Parveen (Bangladesh Police Chess Club), Second Board – Women’s Candidate Master Nushrat Jahan Alo (Bangladesh Ansar), Third Board – Women’s Candidate Master Noshin Anjum (Bangladesh Navy).
This was the third edition of the Women’s Chess League. Bangladesh Navy won the inaugural league in 2021, while Bangladesh Police Chess Club claimed the title in 2023.
