For the first time in history, the World Chess Federation (FIDE) is set to host the World Rapid and Blitz Team Championship, scheduled to take place in London, England, from 10 to 16 June. Despite initial registration, Bangladesh will not be fielding a team for this prestigious event—an absence that has sparked debate within the country’s chess community.
According to tournament regulations, all participating federations are required to bear the full cost of their teams. Although the Bangladesh Chess Federation had completed the necessary registration process, it has now confirmed its withdrawal from the event.
Speaking to local media, the federation’s general secretary, Tayyebur Rahman Sumon, explained the reason behind the decision. “A sponsor initially came forward, which allowed us to progress quite far in our preparations. Unfortunately, the sponsor pulled out at the last moment, which left us unable to send the team,” he said.
Each team in the tournament is permitted a maximum of nine players, with six competing in each match. The championship is open to both male and female players, with at least one woman required in every team. Additionally, each team must include one player whose FIDE rating has never exceeded 2000.
It is understood that Bangladesh had already finalised its squad, which included UK-based Grandmaster Enamul Hossain Rajib, alongside Grandmaster Niaz Murshed, Monon Reza, Tahsin Tajwar, Onot Chowdhury, Minhaj Uddin, Walija Ahmed, and Wadifa Ahmed.
The country’s absence from this global event is being seen by many chess enthusiasts as a missed opportunity, particularly given the rising popularity of rapid and blitz formats in the chess world—often compared to T20 cricket in terms of excitement and audience appeal.
While hopes were high following the election of a new executive committee at the federation, the failure to participate in such a landmark tournament has raised fresh concerns about funding, planning, and the future direction of chess in Bangladesh.