‘Had more exposure from school chess win than IM title’

The Daily Star (DS): Can you recall the memories of your appearance in BSC tournaments?

Abdullah Al Rakib (AAR): I participated in the Bata School Chess tournament from probably 1993 to 1995 and became champion thrice in succession. In that period, selected students of different schools across the country usually participated in the tournament. I have probably been the lone chess player to represent Narayanganj High School in Dhaka.

DS: How was the vibe of the BSC tournament in that period?

AAR: With students coming from different schools across the country, the tournament was organised on a large scale. I think the competition was really inspiring for the young players because it was much more influential and stronger than the junior and sub-junior national chess championships. Even the involvement of the media was also really strong. I actually had more exposure by being the champion of the [Bata] School Chess tournament than what followed after I achieved the International Master (IM) title.

DS: How did the BSC tournament influence you in becoming a professional chess player?

AAR: I started playing competitive chess competitions through the BSC tournament in 1993, when I was a student of grade six or seven. In the same year, I also participated in the sub-junior chess tournament and became a national player. In 1994, when I participated in the same tournament, I was one of five members of Bangladesh Olympiad chess team. I became champion twice in the National Junior Chess Championship at that time.

DS: How did you engage in chess during your childhood?

AAR: Narayanganj had a culture of chess, courtesy of some chess clubs there. I even saw people playing chess under big trees and roadsides in Narayanganj. I used to watch those games at clubs after returning from school, even though I could hardly get a chance to play there. I was trained by my elder brother Mollah Abul Kalam Azad, who was one of the top chess players in Narayanganj. My elder brother helped me evolve into achieving the IM title.

DS: Was the Bata School Chess tournament the only factor behind your rise in chess? 

AAR: I think tradition and culture is the first factor behind the emergence of anything, and obviously the chess culture in Narayanganj and tradition in my family inspired me to play chess. When it came to school, there was no culture of chess. However, the BSC tournament was a platform from which I climbed up the ladder but the family tradition and support were major factors behind my emergence too.

DS: How do you envision chess to flourish at the grassroots here?

AAR: I don't know about the formula of how to develop chess players or make them interested in chess, but one thing I can say is that we need continuation of holding school chess tournaments. We can't invite air into the house but we can keep our windows open and the air will come automatically. Like that, we have to keep the tournament rolling in coming years and talented players will emerge automatically.