The first FIDE (World Chess Federation) registered national championship in Maldives will be held at Social Education Center- Seminar Hall from 14th -18th July 2011.
Maldives has played Chess even seven hundred years before. But modern Chess history goes more than two decades and Chess was like a hobby. But, few events were held including couple of rated players. During last few years, under current leadership, we had the privileged of playing Chess in India as well as in Sri Lanka. We were highly supported by our National Olympic Committee and were allowed to participate in Asian Games in Doha and China with some more Asian and World Indoor Games.
The new Zone President, Luxman Wijesuriya had the vision of having the neighbours more active and get the Maldivian players to participate in almost all the rating and official events in Sri Lanka. The Maldives was well participated in the Asian Zonal 2011 of the Zone 3.2 and a Maldivian Player has won the Bronze medal at the Asian Senior Championships both held in Sri Lanka. So, this friendship building among the Zone and Maldives Chess Federation (MCF) came with the idea of 1st National Chess Championships of Maldives, which was a dream of MCF for more than 20 years.
On the recommendation of Mr. Hisham Al Tahar, the Secretary General of ACF, His Highness, Shaikh Sultan Kalifa Al Nayan, the president of the Asian Chess Federation has kindly decided to support the Maldivian Chess Federation in this remarkable moment. We pay our heartiest gratitude for His highness and all the officials of ACF.
A total of 32 players have registered for the event which will be held as nine round Swiss System event. The best player among women will be declared as the 1st Women's National Champion of Maldives. This will be a 1st step of making the Maldives a strong Chess playing Nation in Asia.
Opening Ceremony will be on 14th July 2011 at 09:30. The Event Chief Arbiter will be Zone 3.2 President Mr. Luxman. On 17th July 2011 Mr. Luxman will give a lecture on Chess for the school children. Four Students from each school are invited for the event at 14:00 - Social Education Seminar Hall.
We would like to inform you that His Highness Shaikh Sultan bin khalifa bin shackbout al-nehayan president of Asian chess federation (member of the royal family of the united Arab emirates )along with Asian Chess Federation General secretory Mr. Hisham will visit Male’ City starting July 16Th ( arrival ) until July 19Th (departure). During his visit he will also meet with the president of the Maldives on 17th July 2011, time will be finalized later.
During his visit shaikh sultan shall play a ceremonial move for the last round (18Th July at 09:30) of the first FIDE (World Chess Federation) registered national championship in Maldives and handover the trophies later on in the closing ceremony. Closing Ceremony and Press brief will be at Social Education Seminar Hall starting 16:00 on 18th July 2011.
Shaikh sultan will also attend the official press conference and the closing ceremony (18th July at 16:00) to show the support of Asian chess federation for the chess in the Maldives.
