A TOTAL of 363 players from 16 countries are here in Penang now, competing in the Eastern Asia Youth Chess Championship (EAYCC) 2024.
Now in its eighth edition since its inception in 2016, the event is divided into Open/Boys and Girls categories.
The opening ceremony, which was held on July 14 at the Cititel Hotel in George Town, was officiated by Deputy Finance Minister Lim Hui Ying.
In her speech, Lim classified chess as a sport often celebrated for its strategy and tactics.
“The game involves critical and creative thinking, builds interpersonal skills, and helps in effective decision-making.
“Chess engages a whole range of cognitive skills, such as analysis, strategic thinking, time management, and planning.
“Players become more disciplined and they learn not only how to win but also how to learn from losses!
“I sincerely commend the players here today in this ballroom for making the right move by playing chess.
“A special mention to the organisers as well for providing such a great avenue for our nation’s young talents to pit their skills against their peers from East Asia.
“It is my fervent hope that such a tournament will be a catalyst to unearth Malaysia’s first International Grandmaster.
“Such an achievement will certainly boost the game’s popularity and help the game grow exponentially in our country,” Lim said in her speech during the opening ceremony.
The 16 countries are from the Asia Zone 3.3 (ASEAN region) and Asia Zone 3.5 (China).
This year’s EAYCC is organised by the Penang Chess Association (PCA) and co-organised by the Malaysian Chess Federation (MCF). It is expected to end on July 20.
Winners will receive trophies, medals, and certificates in each category of the Standard, Rapid and Blitz events.
Categories include the Under-18 Open/Girl, Under-16 Girl, Under-14 & Under-12 Open/Girls, and Under-10 & Under-8 Open/Girl.
There will also be a special award called the PMX Trophy, which will be awarded to a Malaysian with an overall best performance in the tournament.
The PMX trophy is named after Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, who is Malaysia’s current and 10th Prime Minister.
In a social media post recently, Anwar Ibrahim shared a warm message in support of the championship, encouraging young people to embrace and enjoy the game of critical thinking and strategic movement.
Meanwhile, PCA president See Swee Sie said she was proud of PCA’s excellent track record of organising tournaments in the past.
To name a few, she highlighted several key tournaments, such as the Asian Team Chess Championship (1974, 1991), the Penang International Masters’ Tournament (2000), the annual Penang Heritage City International Chess Open (14 editions), and the Lions International Chess for the differently abled community (2021).
“We thank the World Chess Federation (FIDE), the Asian Chess Federation, and the MCF for the confidence and trust in our capabilities.
“As we stand here today, witnessing players locking horns in this game of strategy and tactics, I have to rightfully thank the Ministry of Youth and Sports for their steadfastness and financial support for chess.
“Not forgetting, I would also like to thank the Penang State Sports Council (MSNPP) and the state Education Department for their unwavering support,” See said in her speech.
She also warmheartedly thanked the Malaysia Semiconductor Industry Association (MSIA), BWYS Group, Inari Amertron Bhd, Oriental Holdings Berhad, and other relevant sponsors for their role in the successful commencement of the programme.
According to state Youth, Sports and Health Committee chairman Daniel Gooi Zi Sen, the Federal Government had disbursed a matching grant for the EAYCC this year.
In a related development, Poh Yu Tian, a Penangite and the golden hope for the 21st Malaysia Games (Sukma), was present during the opening ceremony.
Story by Kevin Vimal
Pix by Siti Nuratikah Rahmat