British Bangla Chess Association Hosts Exciting Grand Chess Tournament

Tanvir Shahjahan: The British Bengali Chess Association (BBCA) based in East London recently showcased a captivating chess tournament on August 20th, at the Micro Business Park Center in Tower Hamlets.

The ‘Rapid Chess Competition’ brought together fervent chess enthusiasts from various corners of Greater London and neighboring cities.

The event was a significant success, with Rukaiya Rida, a prominent Bengali talent, notably capturing the limelight.

Rukaiya Rida, who had participated in the recently concluded Under-16 Chess Olympiad in the Netherlands as a member of the England team, drew considerable attention at the tournament. Her exceptional skills and performance were admired by both fellow players and attendees.

Sponsored by the revered freedom fighters Mohammad Enamul Haque and Lokman Hossain, the tournament featured six rounds of intense competition.

David Okiki emerged victorious, claiming the first prize, while Ruqayyah Rida secured the second prize and Mohammad Elahi secured the third prize. Notable recognition was also awarded to Vikram Kamath, Vihan Nadkini, Hurachi Rodrigo, Shyam Sundar, and Feroza Chowdhury across various categories.

The prize distribution ceremony was graced by the presence of Freedom Fighter Lokman Hossain, along with key figures from the British Bengali Chess Association including Chief Adviser Abu Musa Hasan, President Majed Mahmud, General Secretary Tarek Khan, Treasurer Mushtaq Chowdhury, Organizing Secretary Ashraf Nannu, Joint Secretary Muhammad Ali Chowdhury, and Executive Committee Member Oliver Finnegan. Also in attendance was a special guest from Dhaka, Mahmuda Molly, an executive member of the Bangladesh Chess Federation.

The event shed light on the rich legacy of the British Bengali Chess Association, which was established in East London in 1916. Over the years, this institution has grown into a cherished multicultural hub in London, actively participating in esteemed competitions like the London Chess League.

For aspiring chess enthusiasts, the BBCA offers a platform for practice and camaraderie. Members gather every Sunday between 3 pm to 7 pm at the Tower Hamlets Parents’ Center, located at 1, Links Yd, London E1 5LX, off Brick Lane, East London. The club warmly welcomes all chess enthusiasts, providing an excellent opportunity for anyone interested in honing their chess skills and connecting with fellow players.

The BBCA is already gearing up for another exciting event, as they prepare to host the ECF Rated Rapid Chess Tournament on Sunday, October 8th, at the Micro Business Park Centre. This forthcoming event is expected to attract chess enthusiasts from all around, contributing to the thriving chess community nurtured by the British Bengali Chess Association.