On 20 July, chess lovers around the globe marked World Chess Day—an occasion to celebrate one of history’s oldest and most intellectual games. In Narayanganj, the day was honoured with a spirited event: the Sailor Checkmate Narayanganj 2025 Inter-School International Rapid Rating Chess Tournament, hosted at the city’s historic Mohsin Club.
Sixty young minds from schools across Narayanganj and beyond gathered for the day-long tournament. Played in a seven-round Swiss league format, the event rewarded winners with attractive prizes, commemorative T-shirts, and certificates.
The Bangladesh Chess Federation supported the initiative, with Sailor as the event’s sponsor. At the close of play, the federation’s president, Syed Sujauddin Ahmed, presented trophies to the top performers.
Chess may be a global sport today, but its roots run deep in South Asia. Historians trace its origins back to 6th-century India, where the game known as chaturanga laid the foundation for what we now know as chess. From Persia to Arabia, and eventually to Europe’s royal courts, chess evolved—its rules refined, but its essence unchanged: a battle of intellect and foresight.
In Bangladesh, formal chess began to take shape after independence, with the Bangladesh Chess Federation established in 1974. Since then, a number of homegrown talents have emerged, including Grandmasters Ziaur Rahman, Enamul Hossain Rajib, and Reefat Bin Sattar—players who have carried the national flag to international podiums.
The Narayanganj event was more than just a one-day competition. It represented a growing interest in chess among school students and young minds across the country. The discipline, patience, and strategic thinking encouraged by the game align with skills vital in the modern world.
Events like this provide a valuable platform for promising talents who may one day follow in the footsteps of legends like Viswanathan Anand or Magnus Carlsen.
In the words of many chess advocates, this is not just a game—it’s a mindset. And when nurtured in the right direction, it can unlock doors to confidence, achievement, and international recognition.