I didn’t expect to become champion: Niaz Murshed

Bangla Press Desk:   Six years after his last national title, Bangladesh’s first South Asian Grandmaster, Niaz Murshed, has reclaimed the crown at the 49th National Chess Championship 2025, finishing the tournament as the unbeaten champion.

Remarkably, the 59-year-old chess legend admitted that winning the title was far from his expectations when he decided to participate this year.

“I’ve been out of the game for quite some time. I just felt like playing again, so I joined the championship. Honestly, I didn’t expect to become champion,” Niaz told Daily Sun on Thursday.

Niaz last won the national championship in 2019. The event was not held for two years due to the Covid-19 pandemic, and although he competed in the subsequent three editions, the title eluded him.

This year, however, he produced a brilliant performance to clinch his seventh national crown.

“It feels great. Winning always brings joy. What made it even more special was competing against the younger generation — they’re full of energy. Playing against them was exciting but also quite exhausting for me,” Niaz said with a smile.

Niaz’s chess journey is nothing short of legendary. He dominated the national scene early in his career, winning four consecutive titles from 1979 to 1982. In 1987, at the age of just 21, he became South Asia’s first Grandmaster — a historic milestone for Bangladesh.

Later, he stepped away from competitive chess to pursue higher studies but made a strong comeback in 2012, reclaiming the national title after three decades.

This year’s championship came down to a thrilling final round on Sunday, with Niaz Murshed and International Master Fahad Rahman tied on 9.5 points each before the decisive games. Niaz defeated FIDE Master Subrata Biswas, while Fahad lost to Saker Ullah.

Niaz finished with 10.5 points, securing the title, while Fahad ended runner-up with 9.5. Reflecting on his success, Niaz credited his preparation: “I think I practised more before this tournament compared to previous years. Honestly, I wasn’t even preparing specifically for the national championship, but that extra training clearly paid off.”

Young talents are making waves in world chess today, but in Bangladesh, the national champion is a 59-year-old veteran.

Niaz sees this as a worrying sign.

“In 1979, at the age of 12 years and 11 months, I became the youngest national champion. Now, at 59 years and 6 months, I hold the record as the oldest champion as well. I don’t think any other chess player in the world holds both records simultaneously,” he said.

“The fact that a 59-year-old is winning the national chess championship is not a good sign for the game in our country. It clearly reflects how far behind we are from the global standard and level of competition.”

BP/TD