Moves are taking place to further promote the game of chess in Bahrain, with local platforms aiming to make sure the game is even more inclusive for younger enthusiasts and people of determination.
Having roots in seventh-century Indian Chaturanga, the game eventually spread to the Arab world as ‘Shatranj’. It was when it reached Europe that its modern rules emerged and gained universal acceptance by the end of the 19th century.
Fans of the board challenge and this year’s Bahrain Classic Chess Championship winners have come forward, revealing the comprehensive benefits of the activity, coinciding with International Chess Day tomorrow.
Several studies indicate that playing chess offers mental benefits, from improved problem-solving and attention span to other behaviour moderation benefits. Commonly played across cafés in the kingdom, it also creates space for social connection and friendships.
A major turning point for chess in the kingdom was the establishment of Bahrain Chess Federation in 1981. The institution has been empowering local players to compete in international tournaments, even supporting them to turn their hobby into a professional career.
The 2026 Bahrain Classic Chess Championship was staged last month and winners were announced in the open men and women categories. Women’s category first-place winner Najla Ahmed noted how the game has helped her develop her perosnality.
“I owe chess a lot as it changed me from an extremely shy person to the person I always dreamt of becoming,” the 25-year-old told the GDN. “Not only did it shape my skills in the game but also in life. Chess made me resilient and better equipped to control my thoughts and feelings,” she added.
One of the federation’s major focuses has been encouraging Bahraini women to participate by hosting female exclusive events and tournaments. It follows the decision of Her Royal Highness Princess Sabeeka bint Ibrahim Al Khalifa, wife of His Majesty King Hamad and Supreme Council for Women president, to establish the Women in Sports Committee in 2025 to promote Bahraini women in sport.
The network engineer, from Riffa, hopes more Bahraini girls and women explore the game. She believes that while it can be difficult to balance hobbies with responsibilities, there are ways around it. “Chess is the easiest game to practise at home due to online platforms,” she added.
Echoing her sentiment is this year’s championship men’s category winner Hussain Ayyad. Chess has helped him hone his lifestyle, offering benefits beyond recreation.
“Excelling at chess depends on many factors, including lifestyle, health and mental wellbeing. When you are fit, you can think critically. The game has also taught me patience,” noted the 40-year-old International Chess Federation (FIDE) master, who has competed at many local and international tournaments.
Bahrain Chess Federation also welcomes players of determination in its tournaments, nodding to the centre’s inclusive spirit. Visually-impaired players are provided with the required tools. Additionally, they are presented with ‘encouragement awards’ during the championship.
Visually impaired players need special chessboards where the black squares are raised about three to four millimetres above the white squares. By feeling the squares, the player is able to determine whether the square is a black or a white one.
Additionally, the squares have a hole in the centre so that the pieces can be pegged into them and the pieces have a downward projection (nail) at the base, which fits into the hole, thereby securing them. The black pieces have a pin on their heads, helping players distinguish between the two colours.
Mohsin Abdul Razzaq, from Saar, is a regular member of the federation. He lost his sight when he was around nine but that never stopped him from pursuing his passion for chess.
He was introduced to it at a young age and took a liking to the game. Eventually, the professional lawyer started playing online and then joined the federation, where he was encouraged to level up.
“I have found being part of federation to be truly enriching. I often say that practising law and playing chess are a lot alike. Both the profession and the game need you to assess your moves and to think of the risks and possible consequences, and to be very particular and thoughtful about little details,” the 36-year-old said.
Federation president Anmar Ahmadi emphasised the importance of curating spaces that are inviting to everybody, as it helps players flourish and feel encouraged to grow their skills.
“People of determination are integrated with the others rather than being put in a different category but we have volunteers to help them,” he said.
Mr Ahmadi revealed plans to continue networking with other local societies supporting people with disabilities to foster an inclusive chess community. He also highlighted promoting the game among new, young players.
The 2026 Bahrain Classic Chess Championship announced winners in the amateur’s category and a newly-introduced youth centres category.
Bahrain’s efforts to induct newcomers into the game is commendable, with schools hosting regular competitions. Among the many initiatives, the most notable is the annually held Shaikh Khalid Bin Hamad Bahrain Schools Chess Championship.
Adding to these programmes, the federation will stage a youth chess tournament after the summer holidays, Mr Ahmadi confirmed.
&uuid=(email))