Strengthening People-to-People Ties

Diplomatic Correspondent: The High Commission for Pakistan in Dhaka, in collaboration with the Bangladesh Chess Federation, successfully organized the 3rd Mian Sultan Khan Chess Tournament on Thursday, drawing wide participation and underscoring growing cultural and sporting engagement between Pakistan and Bangladesh.

The tournament, named in honor of legendary Pakistani chess icon Mian Sultan Khan—three-time British Chess Champion—brought together more than 200 participants from diverse backgrounds, including diplomats, professional players, national-level chess competitors, students, and chess enthusiasts. The event highlighted Bangladesh’s strong and expanding chess culture, while also celebrating shared sporting traditions.

The chief guest on the occasion was Mahdi Amin, who noted that sports such as cricket and chess serve as important bridges between nations, fostering mutual understanding and closer ties. He appreciated the efforts of the Pakistan High Commission and the Bangladesh Chess Federation in jointly organizing the event and expressed optimism for continued collaboration in similar initiatives.

Imran Haider expressed gratitude to the Government of Bangladesh and the Bangladesh Chess Federation for their support in hosting the tournament. He emphasized that such competitive yet friendly platforms play a vital role in strengthening people-to-people connections, friendship, and goodwill between the two countries.

He also thanked the chief guest for attending the event, along with diplomats, grandmasters, international masters, officials of the Bangladesh Chess Federation, media representatives, and all participants for contributing to the success of the tournament.

At the conclusion of the event, both dignitaries jointly distributed certificates, medals, trophies, and prize money among the winners and top performers, marking the successful completion of the tournament.