We Organized One of the Biggest Open FIDE Rapid Rating Tournaments!

After a long period of time, on March 20th, I and my team, on behalf of Dhaka University Chess Club, which is one of the oldest chess clubs in the country, were able to arrange an open rapid rating chess tournament for the very first time in our University's history. The event took place at Central Field, Gymnasium, University of Dhaka. 

There were over 160+ participants, 166 to be exact. The time control was 10 minutes + 5 seconds increment from move one, and the total round was 8! (not 8x7x6x5x4x3x2x1, just an Exclamation mark, haha). 

Players from all across the country joined us with alacrity. There were three FMs and two CMs as well. People were excited because this is the first time a chess club has announced such a big prize money (65,000 Taka) with numerous open and university categories. 

Planning and Execution : 3 Weeks Before the Tournament 

Covid left us with scars, not only on us but on the whole chess scenario. People had to play under extreme protection. Online tournaments were not compensating at all. This could be the very reason that inspired us to arrange such a BIG tournament, the dream was not only dreamt by us after all! People were literally waiting for our announcement, and many of the universities have already arranged open tournaments. So, it appeared as a "responsibility". 

First Week : Gathering Volunteers 

After preparing a draft plan, I made an announcement about "who wants to volunteer?", our dedicated club members jumped on the text and started reacting with fire-heart-star (those messenger reactions!). As a team, we are now on our way to building a solid plan, more like Petrosians'. We started writing what was necessary and what was not. We made a list of guests, prepared a summary of costs, and then disbursed the workload. 

We had our boards, pieces, and clocks. To avoid risk, we submitted an application to Bangladesh Chess Federation and collected the materials accordingly. 

Second Week : Decoration, Postering and Bannering 

Esteemed Ali bhai (the banner guy) saved us! It was almost dark, the decoration would soon be finished but our banner wasn't ready at all. We rushed to the market, luckily I had his contact number, I called him- on the first ring- he didn't pick it up. After my 3rd try, Ali received, and (what came as a bolt from the blue) said he is currently unavailable but... 

...Ali bhai said he knows a guy who knows another guy! 

Third Week : Official Announcement, and Miscellaneous

Among the invited guests, there were :

• Dr. Mohammad Mizanur Rahaman, Moderator, Dhaka University Chess Club, Associate Professor, Department of Microbiology 
• Mahmuda Haque Choudhury Moly, Executive Member, Bangladesh Chess Federation
• Jalal Ahmed, Deputy Director, Physical Education Center, University of Dhaka
• Dr. Mohammad Shariful Islam, Associate Professor, Department of Information Science, and Library Management 

As per the invitation, the guest came to the prize-giving ceremony and ornamented the winners according to the result. 

The Results and The Goodbyes 

Some Exciting Moments from the Tournament

Shout out to our volunteers- 

• Tanvir Alam
• Mir Kamruzzaman Mamun
• Faisal Mahmood Hridoy
• Almani Mostakim Tahsin
• Jobair Hossain Apurba
• Fariha Sumona
• Hasan Anwoy

The event was hosted by Imran Shorif Shuvo. 

Hopefully, Dhaka University Chess Club will arrange another exciting tournament soon. Keep us in your prayers!