PCF to open sport academy

Chess maestro Magnus Carlson’s name to grace the initiative.

KARACHI: The Pakistan Chess Federation (PCF)  open the country’s first mind sport academy in collaboration with the Pakistan Sports Board (PSB) in Islamabad.

PCF President Hanif Qureshi announced that the Magnus Carlson Mind Sport Academy has been named after chess world champion Magnus Carlson.

“We contacted Carlson through the Norwegian Embassy in Islamabad to name the academy after him,” Qureshi told The Express Tribune.

“He has also agreed to send us his signed merchandise and indicated that he may even pay a visit to Pakistan at the opening ceremony of the academy,” said Qureshi.

He added that the PSB will provide the infrastructure for the academy. The US Education Foundation have also agreed to support the academy and will offer chess scholarships to deserving players.

Meanwhile, the National Championship 2014 also began with 102 players in Islamabad on Wednesday.

Published in The Express Tribune, March 27^th, 2014.

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