The Pawn Power Chess Club successfully concluded its first international round-robin league chess tournament at its newly inaugurated venue in Rupayan Town, Narayanganj. The event was staged in a lively, festive atmosphere and brought together players from Bangladesh and India in a contest marked by both competitive intensity and fine displays of chess artistry.
The seven-day event, which ran from 15 August, featured nine rounds of play and a total of ten participants. Each day unfolded with spirited battles over the 64 squares, with players trading attacks and counterattacks as they sought to outwit one another across the board.
Bangladesh fielded a strong line-up that included International Master Abu Sufian Shakil, Woman International Master Rani Hamid, FIDE Masters Sakline Mostafa Sajid, Mehdi Hasan Parag and Naim Haque, alongside national Under-10 champion Rayan Rashid Mugdho, Candidate Master Monir Hossain and Firoz Ahmed. Representing India were Shubhankar Maiti and Shubhrajeet Dey.
After nine rounds, it was FIDE Master Mehedi Hasan Parag who emerged on top. Demonstrating consistency and composure, Parag scored seven points to secure the championship title. FIDE Master Sakline Mostafa Sajid also finished on seven points but had to settle for first runner-up on tie-break. International Master Abu Sufian Shakil took second runner-up with six points from nine games.
A total prize fund of 40,000 taka, along with trophies, was awarded to the winners. The presentation ceremony was graced by Pan Power Chess Club president and national chess trainer IM Abu Sufian Shakil, Bangladesh chess legend WIM Rani Hamid, and respected international chess arbiter Harun-or-Rashid.
The organisers placed special emphasis on hospitality. Participants were accommodated with high-quality lodging and meals, while the programme also included a recreational tour to the historic Panam City, which proved to be a memorable experience for visiting players.
Supported by the Bangladesh Chess Federation, Pawn Power Chess Club has already set its sights on the future. The club announced plans to host an International Master Norm Tournament this October, aiming to strengthen Bangladesh’s profile in the global chess circuit and provide its players with further opportunities to secure international titles.
With Parag’s victory, the Narayanganj tournament not only celebrated the success of individual players but also marked a milestone for Pan Power Chess Club, whose new venue now stands as a promising hub for regional and international chess events.