Mardan Open Chess Tournament Concludes: Akhtar Hussain Crowned Men’s Champion,
Fareeha Siddiq Wins Women’s Title
PESHAWAR: Sports Link
The first Mardan Open Chess Tournament concluded with great success, attracting male and female chess players from across Pakistan. In the men’s category, Akhtar Hussain emerged as the champion, while Fareeha Siddiq secured the title in the women’s category. In the junior category, Raja Hatim Rehman claimed victory.
The event’s closing ceremony was graced by special guests MPA Tariq Haryani and Mardan Deputy Commissioner Behzad Adil, who presented trophies to the winners. Also in attendance were Assistant Commissioner Mardan Kamran Khan, Provincial Chess Association President Umar Khan, Secretary Kashif Saleem, and DSO Saeed Akhtar.
The tournament, organized by the Provincial Chess Association in collaboration with the district administration, saw a large turnout of participants from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and other parts of the country.
In the men’s competition, Akhtar Hussain claimed first place, followed by Ahmad Nabeel Javed in second, and Salman Ali Khan in third. Ahmad Suneer Nadeem secured fourth position, Khurshid Mughal fifth, and Kamran Khan finished sixth. In the women’s category, Fareeha Siddiq won gold, while Asma Rehman took home the silver medal.
Raja Hatim Rehman was crowned champion in the junior category, with Hussain Hamid finishing second, Muhammad Wajdan third, and Abida Manzoor in fourth.
Addressing the ceremony, Deputy Commissioner Behzad Adil emphasized the importance of promoting sports and providing youth with opportunities to excel. He highlighted chess as a key sport for enhancing mental development and fostering positive activities among young people.
Provincial Chess Association President Umar Khan expressed his commitment to developing chess in the province. He mentioned that such events help expose young players to national and international platforms.
He also credited Assistant Commissioner Kamran Khan, who is an accomplished chess player himself, for playing a vital role in organizing the championship.