Several schools in Sharjah may soon include chess in their curriculum as part of an initiative to promote the game and discover new talents.
The Sharjah Cultural Chess Club, the largest of its kind globally, is spearheading this effort in partnership with the UAE Chess Federation. “Schools play a significant role in preparing and qualifying new players. We are working to encourage schools to take on this role and promote the game among students across the emirate,” stated Sheikh Dr Khalid bin Hamid Al Qasimi, President of the UAE Arab Chess Federation and Chairman of the Sharjah Cultural Chess Club, in an exclusive interview. “We have future plans to expand our initiatives throughout Sharjah and aim to reach all schools to discover new talents,” he added.
Reflecting on his personal connection to the game, Sheikh Dr Khalid shared, “I have been playing chess since childhood, as my father was the Vice President of the UAE Chess Federation. I used to accompany him to clubs, and I started playing the game myself at the age of nine.”
He reminisced about spending countless hours playing chess during his youth. “However, as I have grown older and responsibilities have increased, my hours of playing chess have decreased. Now, I manage to play a round or two per day with friends or colleagues,” he noted, highlighting his continued passion for the game.
Emphasizing the strategic nature of chess, Sheikh Dr Khalid remarked, “It contributes to the development of critical thinking and practical skills in its practitioners. The more strategies and plans a person has, the more successful and distinguished they will be in this enjoyable mental game.”
Growth of Chess Clubs
Sheikh Dr Khalid emphasized the importance of expanding chess clubs to promote the sport. Sharjah currently boasts specialized chess clubs for both males and females.
“At the Sharjah Cultural Chess Club, we are working to increase the number of people interested in this game across the UAE. We also have a chess academy in the club, which helps develop the skills and abilities of the expat population here. The Academy attracts and supports talent,” he explained.
The Academy’s seasonal tournaments focus on honing expertise across various age groups. “There is a great demand to join the Academy, as the results have been positive and we now have two international champions, Safin Safarullah Khan, second in Asia, and Shayan Mohammad Shayan, third in the world, in the 12-year-old category.”
Each chess match, according to Sheikh Dr Khalid, is akin to a puzzle that requires logical and reasoned decision-making. “I believe that young people should engage more in chess and focus their attention on this important and enjoyable game. Chess is crucial in time management, good planning, and developing mental and intellectual skills. It also helps reduce interest in electronic games that are destructive to the mind and have no benefit.”
“Additionally, chess enriches the mind and encourages thinking in unconventional ways because opponents in this game make unexpected moves and jumps, which contributes to organising thoughts effectively,” he added.
Upcoming Championships
Sharjah is set to host the Arab Individual Chess Championship (men and women) and the Rapid & Blitz Chess Championship from November 7 to 17, 2024. The event will feature three combined championships using classical, rapid, and blitz formats. Hosted by the Sharjah Cultural & Chess Club, which has previously held numerous world championships, the event aims to see participation from 22 countries affiliated with the Arab Chess Federation.