Minhaj champion of Koko Int’l Blitz Chess in Narayanganj

International Master Mohammad Minhaj Uddin of Bangladesh Navy clinched the title at the Arafat Rahman Koko International Blitz Chess Tournament, organised by the Dandy Foundation in Narayanganj. Minhaj scored six points out of seven and was declared champion on tie-break, following a tense Swiss League battle.

Equal on points, FIDE Master Naim Haque finished runner-up, while FM Khandaker Aminul Islam secured third place. Candidate Master Md Abu Hanif claimed fourth spot.

Category prizes went to a wide field of competitors, among them CM Sohel Chowdhury, FM Saqlain Mostafa Sajid, FM Sharif Hossain, Raihan Rashid Mugdho, Abdul Mannan, CM Monir Hossain, Ahmedul Korib Chowdhury, Moksed Khan, WFM Noshin Anjum, Forhadur Rahman Sabab, WFM Warsia Khushbu, Safayet Kibria Ayan, Mabrur Raad, Riad Rahman, Md Asaduzzaman, and Md Zainal.

The closing ceremony saw Professor Dr Aliar Hossain, Head of Department at Northumbria University, London, and President of Dandy Foundation, distribute prizes as Chief Guest, delivering a motivational address to the youth. Guest of Honour Barrister Moin Firozi, Member of the Constitution Reform Commission, joined the event alongside several distinguished personalities.

With 72 players, including one International Master, six FIDE Masters, two Women FIDE Masters, three Candidate Masters, and other rated players, competing for a total purse of Tk 41,000, the tournament delivered a spirited celebration of speed chess in the heart of Narayanganj.