Chess Federation Pakistan

Historic Inauguration of Pakistan’s First International Chess Academy in Islamabad
Islamabad:

The Chess Federation Pakistan (CFP) has successfully inaugurated the CFP Pakistan–Kazakhstan Friendship Chess Academy at the Pakistan Sports Complex, Islamabad, marking a historic milestone in the development of chess, youth education, and mind sports in Pakistan.
The academy is a flagship project of the Pakistan–Kazakhstan Friendship Centre initiative, which was formally inaugurated at a separate location by President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev and Prime Minister of Pakistan Shehbaz Sharif, symbolizing the highest level of bilateral commitment between the two countries.
Background and CFP’s Long-Term Efforts
The establishment of this world-class institution is the result of more than one and a half years of continuous efforts by the Chess Federation Pakistan.
The journey began in June 2024 with the signing of a historic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between CFP and the Kazakhstan Chess Federation in Almaty. Since then, CFP, in collaboration with government institutions and international partners (FACI), worked tirelessly to translate this vision into reality.
High-Level Inauguration Ceremony
The inauguration ceremony in Islamabad was attended by distinguished dignitaries from Pakistan and Kazakhstan, including:
• Ambassador Jauhar Saleem — Chief Patron, CFP and President IRS Ministry of Foreign Affairs Govt of Pakistan.
• H.E. Mr. Sayasat Nurbek — Minister of Science and Higher Education, Kazakhstan
• H.E. Mr. Baurzhan Serikbayevich Rapikov — Vice Minister of Tourism and Sports, Kazakhstan
• H.E. Mr. Yerzhan Kistafin — Ambassador of Kazakhstan to Pakistan
• Mr. Akim Tursun — President, TogusKumalaq Federation, Kazakhstan
• Mr. Serik Aktayev — Three-Time World Champion & Honored Master of Sports, Kazakhstan
• Mr. Azmat Kaldybayev — Executive Director, TogusKumalaq Federation
• Grandmaster Mr. Darmen Sadvakasov — Senior Vice President, Kazakhstan Chess Federation


• Mr. Mohhyudin Wani — Secretary, IPC & Vice President, PSB
• Mr. Yasir Pirzada — Director General, Pakistan Sports Board
• Mr. Kanat Alin — President, Astana Chamber of Commerce, Kazakhstan
• Professor Iqtedar Uddin — Vice President, CFP
• Mr. Nauman Mahmood — Honorary Executive President, CFP
• Mr. Sohail Kiyani — Honorary Executive Vice President, CFP
• Mr. Shujaat Ali — President, Islamabad Chess Association
• Muhammad Waqar — Vice President, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chess Association
• Other senior officials and sports administrators, youth and chess enthusiasts.
On this historic occasion,
The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between Pakistan and Kazakhstan primarily focuses on youth exchange programs, joint organization of tournaments, and the visit of international trainers to Pakistan for professional training and development. MOU Signed by Mr. Hanif Qureshi, President Chess Federation Pakistan and Mr. Darmen Sadvakasov, Grand Master & Senior Vice President, Kazakhstan Chess Federation.
Statement by CFP Leadership
Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Hanif Qureshi, National Chess Master and President, Chess Federation Pakistan, stated:
“This academy represents the culmination of over eighteen months of dedicated work. It reflects our commitment to youth development, international cooperation, and excellence in mind sports.”
A Center of Excellence for All Players
The academy has been established as a national center of excellence, serving:
• School and college students
• Youth and junior players
• National and provincial teams
• Amateur and recreational players
• Coaches and instructors
Facilities and Programs
The academy will provide:
✔ Training by certified national and international coaches
✔ Visiting foreign experts and master trainers
✔ Continuous supervised practice sessions
✔ Weekly and monthly competitions
✔ High-performance camps for national teams
✔ Talent identification programs
✔ Digital analysis and learning systems
✔ Coaching and referee certification courses

Support for National Teams
The academy will function as a permanent high-performance base for Pakistan’s national, youth, and women’s teams, ensuring professional preparation for Asian and world championships.

Educational and Social Impact
Chess enhances critical thinking, discipline, memory, and academic performance. Through this academy, CFP aims to positively engage youth and support intellectual development nationwide.
Future Vision
CFP plans to expand the academy’s activities through:
• Online and hybrid learning platforms
• International exchange programs
• Regional training centers
• Advanced research and coaching systems

This initiative represents Pakistan’s long-term investment in knowledge-based sports, youth empowerment, and international cooperation.

پریس نوٹ (اردو)
برائے پرنٹ، الیکٹرانک اور ڈیجیٹل میڈیا

اسلام آباد میں پاکستان کی پہلی بین الاقوامی معیار کی چیس اکیڈمی کا تاریخی افتتاح

اسلام آباد:
چیس فیڈریشن پاکستان (سی ایف پی) کی جانب سے، قازقستان چیس فیڈریشن اور پاکستان اسپورٹس بورڈ کے تعاون سے پاکستان اسپورٹس کمپلیکس، اسلام آباد میں سی ایف پی پاکستان–قازقستان فرینڈشپ چیس اکیڈمی کا افتتاح کر دیا گیا۔ یہ اکیڈمی پاکستان کی پہلی بین الاقوامی معیار کی چیس اکیڈمی ہے جو ایک تاریخی سنگِ میل کی حیثیت رکھتی ہے۔

یہ اکیڈمی پاکستان–قازقستان فرینڈشپ سینٹر کے وسیع تر منصوبے کا حصہ ہے، جس کا باضابطہ افتتاح ایک علیحدہ مقام پر جمہوریہ قازقستان کے صدر عالی جناب قاسم جومارت توقایف اور پاکستان کے وزیرِاعظم میاں محمد شہباز شریف نے کیا۔

ڈیڑھ سال سے زائد کی مسلسل محنت کا ثمر

یہ اکیڈمی ڈیڑھ سال سے زائد عرصے پر محیط مسلسل محنت اور منصوبہ بندی کا نتیجہ ہے۔ اس منصوبے کا آغاز جون 2024 میں الماتے میں چیس فیڈریشن پاکستان اور قازقستان چیس فیڈریشن کے درمیان تاریخی مفاہمتی یادداشت (MoU) پر دستخط کے بعد ہوا۔ بعد ازاں سی ایف پی نے قومی اداروں اور بین الاقوامی شراکت داروں کے تعاون سے اس منصوبے کو عملی شکل دی۔

افتتاحی تقریب میں شریک معزز شخصیات

افتتاحی تقریب میں پاکستان اور قازقستان کی ممتاز شخصیات نے شرکت کی، جن میں شامل ہیں:

جناب سفیر جوہر سلیم — چیف پیٹرن سی ایف پی و صدر، انسٹی ٹیوٹ آف ریجنل اسٹڈیز، وزارتِ خارجہ، حکومتِ پاکستان

عالی جناب مسٹر سیاسات نوربیک — وزیر برائے سائنس و اعلیٰ تعلیم، جمہوریہ قازقستان

عالی جناب مسٹر باؤرجھان سیریکبایووچ راپیکوف — نائب وزیر برائے سیاحت و کھیل، جمہوریہ قازقستان

عالی جناب مسٹر یرزھان کستافن — سفیرِ قازقستان برائے پاکستان

گرینڈ ماسٹر ڈارمن صداوکسوف — سینئر نائب صدر، قازقستان چیس فیڈریشن

مسٹر اکیم تورسن — صدر، توگُس کومالاق فیڈریشن، قازقستان

مسٹر سیریک اکتیایف — تین بار عالمی چیمپئن توگُس کومالاق

مسٹر عظمت کلدی بایف — ایگزیکٹو ڈائریکٹر، توگُس کومالاق فیڈریشن

مسٹر محی الدین وانی — سیکریٹری وزارت آئی پی سی و نائب صدر، پاکستان اسپورٹس بورڈ

مسٹر یاسر پیرزادہ — ڈائریکٹر جنرل، پاکستان اسپورٹس بورڈ

مسٹر کانات علین — صدر، آستانہ چیمبر آف کامرس

جناب حنیف قریشی — نیشنل چیس ماسٹر و صدر، چیس فیڈریشن پاکستان

پروفیسر اقتدارالدین — نائب صدر، سی ایف پی

مسٹر نعمان محمود — اعزازی ایگزیکٹو صدر، سی ایف پی

مسٹر سہیل کیانی — اعزازی ایگزیکٹو نائب صدر، سی ایف پی

مسٹر شجاعت علی — صدر، اسلام آباد چیس ایسوسی ایشن

دیگر معزز مہمانانِ گرامی

عالمی معیار کی سہولیات پر مشتمل اکیڈمی

یہ اکیڈمی قومی سطح پر ایک مرکزِ امتیاز کے طور پر خدمات فراہم کرے گی، جن میں شامل ہیں:

اسکول، کالج اور یونیورسٹی سطح کے طلبہ و نوجوان کھلاڑی

قومی اور بین الاقوامی مقابلوں میں حصہ لینے والے کھلاڑی

شوقیہ سیکھنے والے افراد

پاکستان کی قومی، یوتھ اور ویمن ٹیمیں

کوچز، انسٹرکٹرز اور آفیشلز کے لیے تربیتی و سرٹیفکیشن پروگرامز

اہم پروگرامز اور فوائد

اکیڈمی میں درج ذیل سہولیات فراہم کی جائیں گی:

ملکی اور وزٹنگ بین الاقوامی کوچز کی زیرِ نگرانی تربیت

باقاعدہ پریکٹس سیشنز اور پیشہ ورانہ ماحول

ہفتہ وار مقابلہ جاتی سرگرمیاں

قومی ٹیموں کے لیے ٹریننگ کیمپس اور ہائی پرفارمنس تیاری

جدید تجزیاتی اور تعلیمی سہولیات

چیس فیڈریشن پاکستان کے مطابق یہ اکیڈمی ملک میں شطرنج کے کھیل کے فروغ، قومی ٹیموں کی تیاری کے معیار میں بہتری، اور نوجوان نسل کے لیے مثبت ذہنی سرگرمیوں کے فروغ میں کلیدی کردار ادا کرے گی۔

Muhammad Waqar
Rating, Development Officer.
Chess Federation Pakistan
0336-9111227

OFFICIAL OPENING CEREMONY ANNOUNCEMENT.

Pak-Kaz International Chess Academy

3rd February 2026 | Islamabad

The Chess Federation Pakistan, in cooperation with the Kazakhstan Chess Federation and the Pakistan Sports Board, proudly announces the formal inauguration of the Pak-Kazakhstan International Chess Academy at the Pakistan-Kazakhstan Sports Centre (Dostiq), Islamabad.

This landmark event marks the launch of Pakistan’s first international chess academy, established to raise chess training, education, and competition to global standards.

🌍 HIGH-LEVEL INTERNATIONAL & NATIONAL PRESENCE

The Opening Ceremony will be held in the presence of distinguished delegations, including:

🔹 Government of Kazakhstan
🔹 Kazakhstan Chess Federation (KazChess)
🔹 Government of Pakistan
🔹 Pakistan Sports Board (PSB)
🔹 Chess Federation Pakistan (CFP)
🔹 Senior sports officials, diplomats, educators, and national chess leadership

This historic occasion symbolizes international sports cooperation, friendship, and long-term chess development between Pakistan and Kazakhstan.

🗓 OPENING DAY PROGRAMME (3rd FEBRUARY 2026)

📍 Venue: Pakistan-Kazakhstan Sports Centre (Dostiq), Pakistan Sports Complex, near Guns and Country Club Islamabad

For information and membership.

Mr. Muhammad Waqar
Rating, Development Officer Chess Federation Pakistan 🇵🇰
Vice President, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chess Association.
+92 336 9 11 12 27

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Little Chess Masters | National Junior Chess Championship 2026 | Khelo Paklistan | Discover Pakistan Watch the brilliance of young minds at the National Junior Chess Championship 2026, where Pakistan’s most talented kids compete with strategy, focus, and pas...

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Misleading Propaganda After Historic Achievements of Pakistani Chess: President Chess Federation Pakistan Hanif Qureshi Issues Detailed Public Clarification
Press Release
Islamabad / Peshawar:
President Chess Federation Pakistan, Hanif Qureshi, has issued a detailed public clarification in response to recent media reports, stating that he has been serving the national cause of promoting and developing chess in Pakistan for many years with dedication, integrity, and on a voluntary basis. He said that following his election as President of the Chess Federation Pakistan through a transparent and democratic electoral process conducted under the supervision of the International Chess Federation (FIDE), Pakistani chess has witnessed unprecedented progress.
Hanif Qureshi stated that under his leadership, the Chess Federation Pakistan adopted integrity, transparency, and institutional accountability as its core values. As a result, chess activities across the country have increased manifold. Structured national and provincial competitions, training and development programs, encouragement of young talent, participation in international tournaments, and wide-ranging institutional reforms were introduced on a scale never before seen in the Federation’s history.
He further said that these sustained and sincere efforts have led Pakistan to receive three international awards for overall federation performance, a historic milestone—especially considering the fact that the Chess Federation Pakistan had not received any such global recognition during the previous six decades of its existence.
The President of the Chess Federation Pakistan categorically emphasized that there is zero tolerance for corruption, nepotism, or any form of non-transparent practices within the Federation. He reaffirmed that there has never been, nor will there ever be, any compromise on principles of honesty, integrity, and ethical governance. He expressed gratitude to federation officials, players, coaches, provincial associations, the national chess community, and well-wishers at home and abroad for their continued support, confidence, and solidarity.
Clarification Regarding Media Reports
Hanif Qureshi clarified that it has come to his notice that certain media reports have alleged or implied that he was “suspended on serious charges of financial embezzlement” pursuant to an order of the Pakistan Sports Board Adjudicator. He stated that such reporting is factually incorrect, misleading, and contrary to the record.
For the sake of accuracy and public record, he clarified that:
No court, tribunal, or competent authority has ever recorded any finding against him regarding financial embezzlement, corruption, or misappropriation of funds.
The order of the Pakistan Sports Board Adjudicator did not determine guilt, nor did it record any finding of financial embezzlement or corruption.
The said order has since been suspended by the Islamabad High Court (to the extent applicable to him), and the matter is currently sub judice.
Presenting the matter as a concluded finding of corruption or financial misconduct is false, premature, and damaging to his reputation.
The President of the Chess Federation Pakistan stated that he has fully cooperated with all lawful processes at every forum and remains confident that the judicial proceedings will clarify the matter strictly on the basis of law and the available record.
In conclusion, Hanif Qureshi stated that he reserves all legal rights against inaccurate, misleading, or defamatory reporting and expects responsible media organizations to report facts accurately, fairly, and in accordance with established journalistic and legal standards.
Issued by:
Hanif Qureshi
President, Chess Federation Pakistan
Date: 21 January 2026

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1st National Junior Chess Championship 2026 Concludes Successfully
Lahore:
The 1st National Junior Chess Championship 2026, organized by the Chess Federation Pakistan (CFP), concluded successfully with impressive and promising performances by junior chess players from across the country. The championship marked a significant milestone in the promotion and development of junior chess in Pakistan.
The tournament featured highly competitive and quality games, reflecting the growing interest, discipline, and talent among young chess players nationwide.
Boys Category – Winners
1st Position: Ijlal Amer – NM
2nd Position: Ahsan Feroz
3rd Position: Kamran Fardad
4th Position: Muhriz Shakeel
5th Position: Ijtaba Amer
Girls Category – Winners
1st Position: Hafsa Qamar – WNM
2nd Position: Zainab Rehman
3rd Position: Mysha Furqan
4th Position: Aayat Asmi
5th Position: Mehak
On this occasion, Mr. Hanif Qureshi, President of Chess Federation Pakistan, congratulated all the winners and participants on their outstanding performances. He praised the young players for their hard work, discipline, and dedication, and encouraged them to continue striving for excellence and to represent Pakistan at international chess events in the future.
While speaking to the media, Mr. Muhammad Waqar, Vice President of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chess Association and Rating Officer of Chess Federation Pakistan, highlighted the importance of such national-level junior championships in identifying and grooming future chess talent for Pakistan.
The Chess Federation of Pakistan extended special thanks to Mr. Saleem Akhtar and his entire team, with particular appreciation for Mr. Arsalan Mir for his valuable contributions, dedication, and efforts in ensuring the successful organization of the championship.
The federation also expressed sincere gratitude to the management of Trinity School, Lahore, for their excellent support, cooperation, and hospitality, which played a vital role in the smooth and successful conduct of the event.
The successful completion of the 1st National Junior Chess Championship 2026 reflects the strong commitment of the Chess Federation Pakistan to nurturing young talent and strengthening the future of chess in the country.

Pakistan Leads Global Charge: LGS Johar Town Lahore Hosts First FIDE Training of 2026, The "Year of Chess in Education"

Marking the commencement of 2026, declared by FIDE President Arkady Dvorkovich as the "Year of Chess in Education," a three-day FIDE EDU Preparation of Teachers (PoT) training concluded successfully at LGS Johar Town (January 2–4). Held for the LGS JT/OPF Cluster, this landmark event was a collaboration between the Chess Federation Pakistan (CFP) and the Prime Minister's National Mind Sports Initiative (NMSI).

The CIE Program in Pakistan, the brainchild of WIM Rita Atkins (Secretary FIDE EDU), WIM Anzel Laubscher, SLI, Member FIDE EDU, and NM Hanif Qureshi (President CFP), aims to revolutionize pedagogical frameworks. The training was expertly delivered by Muhammad Yahya Cheema, NI, SLI, NA (Chair Policy Commission CFP; Central Coordinator NMSI), ably assisted by Mr. Muhammad Waqar, SI, NA (Rating Officer CFP).

Feedback from the cohort was overwhelmingly positive, with participants lauding the training as an "enriching" and "meaningful" experience. Educators praised Mr. Cheema’s "engaging approach" and ability to distill complex chess strategies into accessible classroom concepts. The participants also praised Mr. Muhammmad Waqar for his assistance.

We extend our profound gratitude to Mrs. Samina Rahman, Director LGS, whose visionary patronage and unwavering support were instrumental in facilitating this training for the cluster. The success of this workshop at LGS Johar Town signals a robust future for the intellectual growth of students across Pakistan, cementing the nation's role as a leader in the Mind Sports movement.

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پاکستان کی عالمی سطح پر پیش رفت: ایل جی ایس جوہر ٹاؤن لاہور میں 2026 کی پہلی FIDE ٹریننگ کا انعقاد، "Year of Chess in Education" کا آغاز

لاہور – FIDE صدر Arkady Dvorkovich کی جانب سے سال 2026 کو "Year of Chess in Education" (شطرنج برائے تعلیم کا سال) قرار دیے جانے کے بعد، سالِ نو کے آغاز پر ایل جی ایس جوہر ٹاؤن میں تین روزہ FIDE EDU Preparation of Teachers (PoT) ٹریننگ (2 تا 4 جنوری) کامیابی سے ہمکنار ہوئی۔ ایل جی ایس JT/OPF کلسٹر کے لیے منعقدہ یہ تاریخی تقریب چیس فیڈریشن پاکستان (CFP) اور پرائم منسٹرز نیشنل مائنڈ سپورٹس اینیشیٹو (NMSI) کے باہمی اشتراک کا نتیجہ تھی۔

پاکستان میں CIE پروگرام، ویمن انٹرنیشنل ماسٹر (WIM) محترمہ ریٹا اٹکنز (سیکرٹری FIDE EDU)، ویمن انٹرنیشنل ماسٹر (WIM) اینزل لابسچر (ممبر FIDE EDU) اور نیشنل ماسٹر (NM) حنیف قریشی (صدر CFP) کی مشترکہ فکری کاوش ہے، جس کا مقصد تدریسی ڈھانچے میں انقلابی تبدیلیاں لانا ہے۔ اس ٹریننگ کا انعقاد اور تدریس محمد یحییٰ چیمہ، NI, SLI, NA (چیئر پالیسی کمیشن CFP؛ سنٹرل کوآرڈینیٹر NMSI) نے نہایت مہارت سے کی، جبکہ ان کی معاونت کے فرائض جناب محمد وقار، SI, NA (ریٹنگ آفیسر CFP) نے بخوبی انجام دیے۔

شرکاء کی جانب سے ٹریننگ کا ردعمل انتہائی مثبت رہا، جنہوں نے اسے ایک "معلوماتی" اور "بامقصد" تجربہ قرار دیا۔ اساتذہ نے جناب یحییٰ چیمہ کے پرکشش اندازِ تدریس اور شطرنج کی پیچیدہ حکمت عملیوں کو کلاس روم کے لیے آسان اور قابلِ فہم تصورات میں ڈھالنے کی صلاحیت کی بھرپور تعریف کی۔ شرکاء نے جناب محمد وقار کی بہترین معاونت کو بھی سراہا۔

ہم مسز سمینہ رحمٰن، ڈائریکٹر LGS کے تہہ دل سے شکر گذار ہیں، جن کی دور اندیشانہ سرپرستی اور معاونت نے اپنے کلسٹر کے لیے اس ٹریننگ کے انعقاد کو یقینی بنایا۔ ایل جی ایس جوہر ٹاؤن میں اس ورکشاپ کی کامیابی پاکستان بھر کے طلباء کی ذہنی نشو و نما کے لیے ایک روشن مستقبل کی نوید ہے، جو مائنڈ سپورٹس کی تحریک میں پاکستان کے قائدانہ کردار کو مزید مستحکم کرے گی۔

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♟️📚 FIDE EDU Preparation of Teachers course in Lahore, Pakistan 🇵🇰

The FIDE Chess in Education Commission, in collaboration with the Prime Minister’s National Mind Sports Initiative, is pleased to announce the 3rd Preparation of Teachers (PoT) course in Pakistan.

This course aims to strengthen school-based chess education by equipping teachers with internationally recognized FIDE EDU methodologies, focusing on structured learning, inclusion, and educational impact through chess.

📅 Dates: 2-4 January 2026

Through partnerships like this, FIDE EDU continues to expand access to high-quality chess education and professional teacher training worldwide. 🌏

FIDE - International Chess Federation
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