21/05/2026
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 🇵🇰
15/05/2026
Press Release
A Historic Milestone in the History of Chess in Pakistan 🇵🇰
For the first time in the history of chess in Pakistan, National Level Open Trials are being organized, providing a golden opportunity for talented players from across the country.
This historic initiative is being conducted by Chess Federation Pakistan under the leadership of President Hanif Qureshi, with the primary objective of ensuring merit, transparency, and the selection of the national team according to international standards.
These open trials are being held in Lahore, where players from all provinces and regions of Pakistan will participate. The national team selected through these trials will represent Pakistan at the prestigious 3rd FIDE Chess Olympiad for People with Disabilities in Samarkand, Uzbekistan 🇺🇿, scheduled to be held in September 2026.
This historic national trial is being supervised by renowned chess organizer and academic personality Dr. Saleem Akhtar, who recently earned his PhD. degree.
His academic and administrative capabilities are considered a proud and positive addition to the promotion of chess in Pakistan.
Under the visionary leadership of President Hanif Qureshi, continuous practical efforts have been made to take chess in Pakistan to new heights. Not only have national-level chess events been promoted, but significant work has also been carried out to introduce and expand chess among the younger generation in schools, colleges, universities, and educational institutions across the country, with further initiatives continuing successfully.
The organization of chess activities in open public spaces, educational centers, and community levels across different provinces is clear evidence that Chess Federation Pakistan, under the capable leadership of President Hanif Qureshi, remains fully committed to strengthening chess in Pakistan as a positive, educational, and internationally recognized sport.
These open trials will prove to be a major milestone toward a bright future for chess in Pakistan, encouraging young talent and promoting a positive image of Pakistan at the international level.
In conclusion, heartfelt congratulations are extended to all players, parents, coaches, teachers, and members of the chess community on this historic occasion. It is hoped that Pakistan’s national team will bring pride and honour to the country on the global stage.
Muhammad Waqar
Rating, Development Officer
Chess Federation Pakistan
Pakistan Zindabad 🇵🇰
📞 0336-9111227
پریس ریلیز
پاکستان کی شطرنج تاریخ میں ایک تاریخی قدم
پاکستان کی شطرنج کی تاریخ میں پہلی مرتبہ نیشنل لیول پر اوپن ٹرائلز کا انعقاد کیا جا رہا ہے، جو ملک بھر کے باصلاحیت کھلاڑیوں کے لیے ایک سنہری موقع ثابت ہوگا۔ یہ تاریخی اقدام Chess Federation Pakistan کی جانب سے صدر Hanif Qureshi کی قیادت میں کیا جا رہا ہے، جس کا بنیادی مقصد میرٹ، شفافیت اور بین الاقوامی معیار کے مطابق قومی ٹیم کا انتخاب یقینی بنانا ہے۔
یہ اوپن ٹرائلز لاہور میں منعقد کیے جا رہے ہیں، جہاں پاکستان کے تمام صوبوں اور علاقوں سے کھلاڑی شرکت کریں گے۔ ٹرائلز کے ذریعے منتخب ہونے والی قومی ٹیم عالمی شہرت یافتہ 3rd FIDE Chess Olympiad for People with Disabilities Samarkand, Uzbekistan 🇺🇿 2026
میں پاکستان کی نمائندگی کرے گی، جو ستمبر 2026 میں منعقد ہوگا۔
اس تاریخی نیشنل ٹرائل کی نگرانی معروف چیس آرگنائزر اور تعلیمی شخصیت Dr. Saleem Akhtar کر رہے ہیں، جنہوں نے حال ہی میں اپنی پی ایچ ڈی کی ڈگری حاصل کی ہے۔ ان کی علمی و انتظامی صلاحیتیں پاکستان میں شطرنج کے فروغ کے لیے ایک مثبت اور قابلِ فخر اضافہ سمجھی جا رہی ہیں۔
صدر Hanif Qureshi کی قیادت میں پاکستان میں شطرنج کو نئی بلندیوں تک پہنچانے کے لیے مسلسل عملی اقدامات کیے گئے ہیں۔ ان کی ویژنری قیادت میں نہ صرف قومی سطح پر چیس ایونٹس کو فروغ ملا بلکہ نوجوان نسل، تعلیمی اداروں، اسکولز، کالجز اور یونیورسٹیز میں بھی شطرنج کو متعارف کروانے اور فروغ دینے کے لیے نمایاں کام کیا گیا۔ اور مزید بھی کیا جا رہا ہے۔
ملک کے مختلف صوبوں میں اوپن مقامات، تعلیمی مراکز اور کمیونٹی لیول پر چیس سرگرمیوں کا انعقاد اس بات کا ثبوت ہے کہ Chess Federation Pakistan
صدر، حنیف قریشی کی با صلاحیت قیادت میں پاکستان میں شطرنج کو ایک مثبت، تعلیمی اور بین الاقوامی کھیل کے طور پر مزید مضبوط بنانے کے لیے پرعزم ہے۔
یہ اوپن ٹرائلز پاکستان میں شطرنج کے روشن مستقبل، نوجوان ٹیلنٹ کی حوصلہ افزائی، اور بین الاقوامی سطح پر پاکستان کے مثبت تشخص کو اجاگر کرنے کی جانب ایک اہم سنگِ میل ثابت ہوں گے۔
آخر میں تمام کھلاڑیوں، والدین، کوچز، اساتذہ اور شطرنج سے وابستہ افراد کو اس تاریخی موقع پر مبارکباد پیش کی جاتی ہے، اور امید ظاہر کی جاتی ہے کہ پاکستان کی قومی ٹیم عالمی سطح پر ملک کا نام روشن کرے گی۔
محمد وقار
ریٹنگ آفیسر
Chess Federation Pakistan
پاکستان زندہ باد 🇵🇰
0336-9111227
03/03/2026
Get Ready Chess Wizards of Pakistan 🇵🇰
24/02/2026
The Kazakhstan Chess Federation has announced the selected federations for the Freedom Asian Chess Initiatives (FACI) 2026 project. ♟️🌏
Cambodia, Japan, Jordan, Kyrgyzstan, Nepal, Pakistan, and Turkmenistan will join the new stage of the programme, aimed at strengthening national federations and supporting sustainable chess development across Asia.
The FACI project aims to foster at the sustainable development of chess across Asia through strengthening national federations, enhancing professional training standards, and promoting international cooperation. The program includes training camps, educational seminars, and support for participation in international competitions.
Learn more: https://www.fide.com/selection-completed-for-the-freedom-asian-chess-initiatives-faci-2026-project/
17/02/2026
**1st Pak–Kaz International Chess Academy Islamabad Rapid Chess Tournament Concludes with Grand Success**
Islamabad: The **1st Pak–Kaz International Chess Academy Islamabad Rapid Chess Tournament** concluded successfully with great enthusiasm, witnessing competitive chess and outstanding performances by players across multiple age categories.
In the **Open Category**, **Hanif Qureshi**, **National Master (NM)** and **President, Chess Federation Pakistan**, displayed exceptional strategic command and experience to clinch the championship title, reaffirming his stature as one of the leading figures in Pakistani chess.
The junior categories featured remarkable talent and determination. **Zidan Hamid** captured the **Under-16** title with a confident performance. **Meekail Shoaib** emerged victorious in the **Under-12** category, showcasing strong tactical skills, while **Muhammad Ashaj Tariq** claimed the **Under-14** title after an impressive series of games.
The tournament marked an important milestone in strengthening international chess collaboration between Pakistan and Kazakhstan and provided a valuable platform for young and aspiring players to compete at a higher level.
Organizers praised the discipline, sportsmanship, and enthusiasm of all participants and reaffirmed their commitment to promoting chess through international-standard events and developmental initiatives across Pakistan.
