Rani Hamid reflects on Bangladesh chess void: why play in India?

At 80, Rani Hamid continues to inspire by facing young prodigies like 13-year-old Balaji Sudarshan and highlighting the urgent need for more chess tournaments in Bangladesh, underscoring the country's untapped potential in the sport.

Sources:
DaijiworldTimesofindia
Updated 2h ago
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Sources: DaijiworldTimesofindia
At 80 years old, Bangladeshi chess icon Rani Hamid continues to compete internationally, recently facing 13-year-old Indian prodigy Balaji Sudarshan at the Delhi International GM Open Chess Tournament 2025.

Hamid, who began competitive chess at 33 and holds 20 national titles and three British Chess Championships, reflects candidly on the state of chess in Bangladesh. "Bangladesh hasnt progressed in chess the way India has because we dont have strong organisers," she admits.

She contrasts this with Indias vibrant chess culture, saying, "If we had tournaments in Bangladesh, why would I come to India? But India loves chess. The people, the hospitality, the environment1it keeps drawing me back."

Encouraged by her late husband, MA Hamid, she authored a chess manual aimed at rural players, demonstrating her commitment to growing the game locally despite systemic challenges.

Reflecting on her own journey, Hamid notes, "I started playing when I was 33. I never played to gain anything. If Id known chess could give so much, maybe Id have taken it more seriously, prepared better, tried for the GM title."

Her story highlights the generational legacy and passion for chess that transcends borders, even as Bangladesh struggles to build the infrastructure and support that India has cultivated.

Hamids admiration for young talent like Sudarshan and her desire to analyze games with him underscore her enduring love for the game and hope for its future in the region.

"He has played really well. I want to analyse games with him," she said after their match.

Her experience underscores the urgent need for stronger chess organization in Bangladesh to nurture talent and retain players domestically.

Sources: DaijiworldTimesofindia
At 80, Bangladeshi chess legend Rani Hamid reflects on the lack of chess development in Bangladesh compared to India, where she frequently competes. She praises India's chess culture and hospitality, lamenting Bangladesh's weak organization and absence of tournaments that force her to play abroad.
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The Headline

Rani Hamid's tournament journey and match with Balaji

Key Facts
  • Rani Hamid, an 80-year-old Bangladeshi chess legend, began playing competitive chess at age 33 and earned the Woman International Master title.Daijiworld
  • Hamid has won 20 national titles for Bangladesh and three British Chess Championships.Daijiworld
  • Hamid participated in the Delhi International GM Open Chess Tournament 2025, where she faced 13-year-old Indian prodigy Balaji Sudarshan from Tamil Nadu.DaijiworldTimesofindia
  • Hamid was defeated by Balaji Sudarshan at the tournament but expressed admiration for the young prodigy and a desire to analyse games with him.Daijiworld
Reflecting on her visit to India, Hamid did not mince words. “If we had tournaments in Bangladesh, why would I come to India? But India loves chess. The people, the hospitality, the environment—it keeps drawing me back.”
Daijiworld
Daijiworld
Despite individual flashes of brilliance, Hamid is honest about the challenges that have held back chess in her country, admitting, “Bangladesh hasn’t progressed in chess the way India has because we don’t have strong organisers.
Timesofindia
Timesofindia
Key Stats at a Glance
Rani Hamid's age
80-year-old
Daijiworld
Balaji Sudarshan's age
13-year-old
Daijiworld
National titles won by Hamid
20 national titles
Daijiworld

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Background Context

Hamid's reflections on chess and Bangladesh's challenges

Key Facts
  • Hamid authored Mojar Khela Daba, a simple, illustrative chess manual aimed at rural players, recognized in Kolkata.Daijiworld
  • Hamid reflected on the lack of chess tournaments in Bangladesh, stating, “If we had tournaments in Bangladesh, why would I come to India? But India loves chess. The people, the hospitality, the environment—it keeps drawing me back.”Daijiworld
  • Hamid acknowledged challenges in Bangladesh chess, saying, “Bangladesh hasn’t progressed in chess the way India has because we don’t have strong organisers.”Timesofindia
  • Hamid started playing chess at 33 without aiming for titles, but reflected, “If I’d known chess could give so much, maybe I’d have taken it more seriously, prepared better, tried for the GM title.”Timesofindia
Key Stats at a Glance
Age Hamid started competitive chess
33
Daijiworld
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