Narayanganj is all set to host the National Women's Chess Championship for the first time as the final phase gets underway at the Narayanganj Club tomorrow.
In quest of spreading chess to the grassroots level, Bangladesh Chess Federation has decided to take women's championship outside the capital for the first time and the Narayanganj DSA has grasped the opportunity with both hands.
"We have taken all necessary preparation to make the championship a success in the city of Narayanganj which has a pride heritage of producing players like GM Abdullah Al Rakib, former national runner-up Wahiduzzaman Riton, former national women's champion Jakia Sultana," said organising committee chairman QA Aksir at a press conference at the Bangladesh Olympic Association conference room yesterday.
He also informed that Narayanganj is holding the national championship for the second time since the National Men's Chess Champions in 1986 and they felt proud of having such an opportunity.
Arlin Developer has come forward extending their hands to sponsor 3.5 lacs out of estimated budget of 6.5 lacs and in addition they will also provide Tk 50 lacs for the prize money for the top three players.
Arlin Developer chairman Jahangir Islam said that his company has come forward because of his love for chess as he himself was once a chess player and hoped to be with chess in future.
Holder Sharmin Sultana Shirin, runner-up Shamima Akhter Liza, IWM Rani Hamid, FWM Syeda Sabana Parveen Nipa, FWM Tanima Parveen, all automatic qualifiers, will join qualifiers Masuda Begum, Nazrana Khan Iva, MWM Jakia Sultana, Jahanara Haq Runu, Protiva Talukdar, Sabiha Sharmin Simmi, Mahmuda Haq Chowdhury Moly in the round-robin league bass meet.
Joint secretary of Narayanganj DSA Khaliluddin Ahmed and BCF member Morsalin Babla, managing director of Arlin Developer Alamgir Islam were among others present.