Fahad aims high

Former national junior champion Fahad Rahman, who has just earned the FIDE Master title by winning the under-10 age group title in the 14th ASEAN Age Group Chess Championship in Chiang Mai, Thailand on Thursday, is aiming for the IM and GM titles. Returning on Friday night, the 10-year-old prodigy said he wants to continue on the path of success.
“I am very happy as I have beaten some really good players from across the region in the tournament, and I want to take this as a stepping stone for further success,” said Bangladesh's youngest FIDE Master over phone.
Fahad earned highest 7.5 points from nine rounds, winning six matches and drawing three and thus becoming eligible for the FIDE Master title. A Class IV student of Gulshan Model School and College, Fahad however said he was disappointed that no one from the Bangladesh Chess Federation greeted him after his return to the country.
Grand Master Rifat bin Sattar said it was a great thing for Bangladesh to have a FIDE Master at such a young age.
“I think he has great potential to become Grand Master one day. But it all depends on the right kind of nurturing and patronisation, from both the federation as well as corporate houses. I hope his achievement will encourage more youngsters to take up the game,” opined the third Grand Master of Bangladesh.