In a conversation, Mahmuda Hoque Chowdhury Moly, Founder & Managing Director of Elegant International Chess Academy, elaborates on the country’s chess scene and its future.
Has finding new and upcoming players been challenging for the Federation?
The landscape of chess initiation is rugged. Access to the Chess Federation and Elegant International Chess Academy is just a click away, and you would think that finding the way to this world would be more simple in this digital age, but only a select few seem to be able to find us amidst the virtual maze. Then there’s the added challenge of Dhaka’s traffic. Imagine young players commuting long distances through the city’s congestion to participate in matches. The exhaustion from these journeys can dampen even the most fervent enthusiasm. Education is another factor where balancing chess and academics becomes a nuanced act. Chess demands dedication and time, similar to the demands of studies. But as academic pressures mount, striking that equilibrium becomes increasingly intricate.
The unique aspect of chess is that it does not provide instant gratification. Achieving notable results takes years of perseverance. The key often lies in starting early, before the weight of academic responsibilities takes its toll. Furthermore, those who excel in chess often straddle two demanding worlds. The very tournaments that elevate them can disrupt their regular school and study routine. Managing both the chessboard and the classroom becomes an actual test of skill. In our country, the absence of professional chess academies is an issue. While Elegant International Chess Academy is a positive step forward, there are many more obstacles to overcome. Age restrictions (one needs to start early to become a professional) and costs make it inaccessible to many potential talents. Moreover, the lack of skilled chess instructors presents another challenge. Due to time constraints and financial considerations, those who do teach often need help to commit full-time. In essence, the chess landscape in Bangladesh embodies a mixture of passion, challenges, and potential. Despite the odds, the pieces on the board keep moving as we strive to unveil the mysteries of this intricate game.
Executive Member of Bangladesh Chess Federation
Founder and Managing Director of Elegant International Chess Academy
1st FIDE Women International Organiser of South East Asia; FIDE Women Candidate Master; FIDE Arbiter; National Chess Instructor
If one wishes to become a professional chess player, when should one begin?
Chess is this incredible realm where age is no barrier. It is a universal language that welcomes everyone, no matter where they stand on the timeline of life. But, if you’re eyeing the professional path, time is the greatest currency you’ll need to invest. Starting young has its perks, no doubt. I myself began playing chess when I was very young. As the years stack up, so do the responsibilities – jobs, family, you name it. That’s why they say, get on that chess train as early as you can. Sub-junior contests are testing grounds. There are age categories – back in the day there were only Under-16 and Under-20, but now we have Under-10, Under-14, Under-16, Under-18 categories and that’s where the real action is. The key is shining in our National Youth Championship – that’s the ticket to opening doors to global stages like the World Cup.
What are some of the recent achievements of Elegant International Chess Academy?
We recently had the privilege of participating in the Chess World Cup, a significant event in the chess community. What’s particularly noteworthy is that our team comprised two incredibly talented individuals: a Grand Master and an International Master, both of whom are girls and happen to be students of our esteemed academy. It’s truly inspiring to witness the dedication and skill these young players bring to the table, that too on such a grand stage.
It’s incredibly heartwarming to witness our young champions consistently bringing home silver and gold medals, reflecting their unwavering commitment and outstanding skill in the game of chess.
The achievements don’t stop there. Merely last month, one such bright talent from our academy secured the commendable bronze medal at the Western Asia Youth Chess Championship 2023. Another shining star from our ranks claimed the prestigious gold medal at the Asian School Chess Championship. These matches, known for their intense competition, are usually dominated by chess powerhouses like India, Uzbekistan, and China. Hence, achieving a gold medal is a monumental feat that underscores the exceptional prowess of our young players. Our students are excelling nationally and making waves on the international scene. It’s incredibly heartwarming to witness our young champions consistently bringing home silver and gold medals, reflecting their unwavering commitment and outstanding skill in the game of chess.
What is the Bangladesh Chess Federation’s vision for the sport in the coming years?
As a committee member of the Chess Federation of Bangladesh, I can proudly say that our paramount vision revolves around propelling chess into the limelight across our nation. We’ve been steadfastly pursuing this goal through several strategic initiatives. One notable example is the introduction of the Jela (District) League, which has been instrumental in spreading the reach of chess throughout different districts. Our efforts also extend to organising school tournaments, which serve as a fertile ground for nurturing young talent and fostering a love for the game at an early age.
To further bolster our efforts, we’ve invested significantly in training a cohort of tutors under the aegis of the World Chess Federation and cultivating a panel of qualified judges. This holistic approach ensures that the ecosystem supporting chess in Bangladesh is robust and sustainable. Our philosophy centres around the idea that by nurturing a broader pool of budding chess enthusiasts, we stand a better chance of unearthing truly exceptional players who can excel internationally. This commitment to quantity as a catalyst for quality underscores our unwavering determination to drive the growth of chess in our country.
The key is shining in our National Youth Championship – that’s the ticket to opening doors to global stages like the World Cup.
In terms of our contributions to nurturing talent, a substantial number of young prodigies have emerged from Elegant Chess Academy. Before the pandemic’s onset, our academy operated branches in Dhanmondi, Banani, and Uttara, significantly expanding our outreach. However, due to sponsorship challenges stemming from the pandemic, we’ve had to consolidate our operations to our Uttara branch, where I, as the Managing Director, can provide more hands-on supervision. Despite this setback, our commitment to excellence remains steadfast. We impart chess knowledge and extend financial support to students whose parents are willing to invest in their international exposure. An example of this investment is the sponsorship we provided to a child to participate in the Commonwealth Chess Championship 2019.
As an academy operator, this endeavour is deeply personal for me. Despite my busy schedule, I dedicate at least two hours daily to the academy. My presence serves as an inspirational force, and I’ve also assumed the role of a mentor, providing guidance to our students. Often, parents find themselves in a quandary about which tournaments to prioritise or participate in, and this guidance is pivotal in steering them toward informed decisions. Fostering more academies with such a commitment will collectively advance these exceptional young talents to the forefront of international chess.
In essence, the vision of the Bangladesh Chess Federation aligns harmoniously with the ethos of Elegant International Chess Academy. We are resolutely dedicated to expanding the horizons of chess across the nation, nurturing talent from diverse backgrounds, and creating a robust support system that empowers young players to realise their full potential on the global stage.
Photographs: Courtesy of Elegant International Chess Academy