The dexterity of comprehending chess combinations is fascinating for any individual, but to master this perplexing sport at the age of 7 and competing globally involves another level of brilliance. Enter Syed Ridwan, Bangladeshi Chess Prodigy, experiencing his dream since the tender ages. His titillating entry into the competitive arena sparked the foundation of a new generation of chess players in this thriving nation. KhelboBD was honored to sit and chat with Ridwan about his success story and what is expected from him in the forthcoming years. 

Ilman Islam: Mr. Syed Ridwan, it’s an absolute pleasure to have this conversation with you. Let’s dive right in and get a substantial understanding of our foundational years. What’s your greatest experience in a chess tournament? 

Syed Ridwan: Hello Ilman, pleasure to be here and greetings to all KhelboBD readers. My greatest experience was participating in my very first chess tournament: the Asian Youth Chess Championship in 2015. I was just seven years old at the time, and this tournament marked the beginning of my journey into the competitive world of chess. The excitement of competing at an international level at such a young age, combined with the opportunity to meet talented players from different countries, made it an unforgettable experience. That tournament helped me realize my passion for chess and inspired me to continue playing and improving.

II: Who was the spark for you to begin your chess journey? 

SR: I developed a serious interest in chess after watching Magnus Carlsen win the World Chess Championship. His brilliance and composure on the board made him my idol, and I started dedicating myself to the game with great enthusiasm. Magnus’ success story showed me the heights one could achieve in chess with hard work and dedication, and he continues to be a source of motivation for me.

II: What was the deciding factor for you to enter the competitive chess industry? 

SR: My greatest influence came from my mother, who was a national chess player herself and had won several tournaments. She is also the current captain of the Bangladesh Women’s Chess Team. Growing up, her passion and success in chess inspired me to aim high in the game. My father also played a significant role, as he served as the General Secretary of the Bangladesh Chess Federation for nine years. Their encouragement and support laid the foundation for my professional chess career.

II: What are the resources that players require to support and develop their craft and expertise?

SR: Nowadays, there are countless resources available online for chess players, from tutorial videos to strategy guides and practice platforms. However, I would highly recommend joining a chess academy with professional coaches. Personally, I had the privilege of studying at my mother’s chess academy, Elegant International Chess Academy. Learning from experienced coaches in a structured environment significantly accelerates growth and provides essential guidance for budding players.

II: What are the qualifications required for an aspiring chess player to begin their journey as well?

SR: Chess is a game for everyone, regardless of age, profession, or gender. There are no formal qualifications required to start competing. The key, however, is patience and consistency. In chess, the real battle is not just against your opponent but against yourself. Learning to control your nerves and emotions is crucial for success in competitive games. With perseverance and a love for the game, anyone can embark on a competitive chess journey.

II: How do you believe Chess should be promoted in this developing nation? 

SR: Bangladesh has tremendous potential in chess, but unfortunately, the sport suffers from a lack of funding and media exposure. Many people are interested in playing chess but don’t know where to begin or where to find proper training. To promote chess in Bangladesh, it’s important to increase awareness through media coverage, provide better funding for chess programs, and establish more accessible learning platforms. With the right resources and support, Bangladesh could produce many more talented players who can excel at the international level.

II: Finally, what advice do you have for the mini Syed Ridwans out there? 

SR: To all aspiring chess players, my advice is simple: enjoy the game first. Don’t focus solely on winning, as that can take away the joy and learning experience chess provides. If you truly enjoy the game, start as early as possible. One of the challenges I faced was starting to take chess seriously at a relatively later stage, which limited the amount of time I could devote to improving because of my academic responsibilities. Starting young allows for more practice and development during the formative years.

II: Ridwan, it’s been absolutely riveting to have this discussion with you. Always an honor to sit and learn about chess from a dazzling professional. Thanks a lot for coming on KhelboBD.