PMYP, Chess Federation launch nationwide talent hunt

ISLAMABAD, Jul 13 (APP): The Prime Minister’s Youth Programme (PMYP) and the Chess Federation of Pakistan (CFP) on Monday signed a Letter of Intent (LoI) at the Pakistan Sports Complex (PSC) to launch the Maarka-e-Haq Chess Series and a nationwide partnership aimed at promoting chess through grassroots development, talent identification, youth engagement and greater international exposure for Pakistani players.

The LoI was signed during a ceremony attended by Chairman PMYP, Rana Mashhood Ahmad Khan as chief guest, President Chess Federation of Pakistan, Syed Zeeshan Naqvi, Vice President, Malik Rehan Azam and other senior officials.

Under the agreement, PMYP and the Chess Federation will jointly promote chess across the country by launching a nationwide talent hunt programme, identifying and nurturing promising young players, strengthening grassroots development and facilitating the participation of Pakistani players in regional and international competitions.

The partnership places the Maarka-e-Haq Chess Series at the centre of efforts to expand competitive opportunities, discover emerging talent and encourage wider youth participation in chess across Pakistan.

Addressing the ceremony, Rana Mashhood Ahmad Khan congratulated the Chess Federation of Pakistan on its growing achievements and commended President, Syed Zeeshan Naqvi for his leadership and commitment to expanding the game nationwide.

He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to promoting sports as a key pillar of youth development, saying every possible support would be extended to the federation to strengthen chess at every level.

Describing chess as a sport that sharpens focus, discipline, mental strength, strategic thinking and analytical ability, Rana Mashhood said the game played a vital role in developing confident, capable and intellectually strong young people.

He said talent identification would begin at the grassroots level to ensure gifted players from every part of the country receive opportunities to develop and compete.

Chief PMYP said Pakistani youth were bringing pride to the country through outstanding achievements in diverse fields and noted that the Prime Minister’s Youth Programme was complementing its education, employment and youth empowerment initiatives by making sustained investments in sports development.

Calling the current year a milestone for sports in Pakistan, Rana Mashhood announced that the country’s first ever Hockey League would be launched soon as part of broader efforts to revive national sports and create new opportunities for young athletes.

Speaking on the occasion, Chess Federation of Pakistan President Syed Zeeshan Naqvi said the federation is taking practical steps to expand chess across the country through structured development programmes, stronger institutional partnerships and increased competitive opportunities.

He thanked the Prime Minister’s Youth Programme, Rana Mashhood Ahmed Khan and the Pakistan Sports Board for their continued support, expressing confidence that the partnership would accelerate the growth of chess, uncover a new generation of talented players and strengthen Pakistan’s presence in international competitions.