UAE Chess Players Capture Silver at Asian Championships
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) celebrated a significant achievement in the world of chess this week. At the asian Individual Amateur Championships held in Al Ain, UAE players Ahmed Al Rumaithi and Ahlam Rashid secured silver medals in the men’s and women’s rapid chess competitions, respectively.The event,a testament too the growing chess scene in the region,attracted 600 players from 33 nations.
The championships, hosted by the Al Ain Chess and Mind Games Club, were held under the patronage of Sheikh Nahyan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan Charitable and Humanitarian Foundation and Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Sports Council. According to the Emirates News Agency (WAM), the event was described as “the Asian Championship…with the participation of 600 male and female players representing 33 nations.”
While the UAE celebrated its silver medal wins, other players also achieved notable success. Igor Lovakov of Russia took gold in the men’s category, with Mujahid bin Yazid of the Maldives earning bronze. In the women’s competition, Shahnuza Sabrova of Uzbekistan secured the gold medal, and Nadia Antonova of Tajikistan claimed bronze after a tie-breaker.
Hisham Ali Al-Taher,Secretary-General of the Asian Chess Federation,highlighted the importance of the UAE’s performance. He stated, “winning two silver medals reflects the advanced level of UAE players, and that the high competitiveness in an Asian championship, with the participation of the most prominent players, enhances their international classification rates.” This statement underscores the growing international recognition of UAE chess talent.
The success of the UAE players at the Asian Championships mirrors a global trend of increased participation and interest in chess. The strategic thinking and problem-solving skills honed thru the game are increasingly valued in various fields, making chess a popular activity for both recreational and competitive purposes.
UAE Chess Rising: An Interview with International Chess Grandmaster, Susan Polgar
Senior Editor, world-today-news.com: Welcome to world-today-news.com, Susan. We’re thrilled to have you here to discuss the recent success of UAE chess players at the Asian Individual Amateur Championships.
Susan Polgar: Thank you for having me. It’s exciting to see the progress of chess in the UAE. The silver medals earned by Ahmed Al Rumaithi and Ahlam Rashid are a testament to the hard work and dedication of these players and the growing chess community in the region.
Senior Editor: Absolutely.Can you elaborate on what this achievement means for the UAE chess scene?
Susan Polgar: This is a significant milestone for UAE chess. Achieving silver medals at such a prestigious event, especially against such a large and diverse field of competitors, demonstrates that UAE players are reaching a competitive level on the international stage.
Senior Editor: Hisham Ali Al-Taher,Secretary-General of the Asian Chess Federation,noted that this success reflects the advanced level of UAE players. Do you agree?
Susan Polgar: I wholeheartedly agree.This success doesn’t happen overnight. It’s a result of a strong foundation built by the UAE Chess Federation, dedicated coaches, and the commitment of the players themselves. The players are clearly benefitting from this structured approach to growth.
Senior Editor: The article mentions a “growing chess scene” in the UAE. What factors do you think are contributing to this growth?
Susan Polgar: Several factors are at play. Firstly, chess is gaining recognition as a valuable educational tool, promoting critical thinking, problem-solving, and strategic planning. Secondly, the UAE Chess Federation is actively promoting the game thru tournaments, educational programs, and outreach initiatives, making chess accessible to a wider audience. Lastly, the success of UAE players is inspiring a new generation to pick up the game.
Senior Editor: As a renowned chess expert, what advice woudl you give to young aspiring chess players in the UAE?
Susan Polgar: My advice is simple: Be passionate, be committed, and practice consistently. Find a good coach, study the game, and learn from both your wins and losses. Most importantly, enjoy the journey. Chess is a beautiful and challenging game that can enrich your life in countless ways.
Senior Editor: Thank you for sharing your insights, Susan. your expertise and enthusiasm for the game are truly inspiring.
Susan Polgar: It was my pleasure. I look forward to seeing the continued success of UAE chess in the years to come.
