Bangladesh’s New Woman International Master Wadifa

Sports Desk

Young Bangladeshi chess player Wadifa Ahmed has achieved two significant milestones simultaneously. She has earned the title of Woman International Master (WIM) from FIDE and has also qualified to compete in the Chess World Cup.

The Asian Zonal 3.2 Chess Championship, which served as the qualifying event for the Chess World Cup and Women’s World Cup, was held in Colombo, Sri Lanka. Bangladesh maintained its dominance in both the open and women’s categories at this prestigious tournament.

In the open category, International Master (IM) Minhaz Uddin Ahmed Sagar emerged as the champion, while Wadifa Ahmed claimed the top spot in the women’s category, both remaining undefeated throughout the competition. Minhaz secured 7 points from 9 matches to become the champion. Wadifa also scored 7 points from 9 matches, tying with Sri Lanka’s Woman International Master (WIM) Oshini Divyanjali Gunawardhana. However, Wadifa clinched the title through tiebreaker rules.

By winning this championship, Wadifa has earned the title of Woman International Master. Additionally, she has secured a spot to compete in the Women’s World Cup, scheduled to take place in Georgia this July. Meanwhile, IM Minhaz had already qualified for the Chess World Cup, which begins on October 31.

In the open category, four players finished with 6.5 points each. Through tiebreakers, Bangladesh’s FIDE Master Tahsin Tajwar Zia secured the runner-up position.

The tournament featured 40 participants in the open category, including 4 International Masters and 6 FIDE Masters from Bangladesh, Bhutan, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka. In the women’s category, 23 players competed, including 2 Woman International Masters and 2 Woman FIDE Masters from the same countries.

Wadifa’s achievement marks a proud moment for Bangladesh, showcasing the country’s growing talent in the global chess arena.