EMBRACING the spirit of sportsmanship by valuing respect, integrity, and camaraderie on and off the chessboard is what matters most at the 23rd ASEAN+ Age Group Chess Championships, says state executive councillor for Youth, Sports and Health Daniel Gooi Zi Sen.
Officiating the opening ceremony at Berjaya Hotel Penang in Jalan Burma today, Gooi said: “It’s also about uplifting others, whether in victory or defeat, and recognising that true greatness isn’t measured by trophies but by the friendships built along the way.”
The event drew over 500 participants from 21 countries, along with guests, officials, coaches, and parents.
Reading from a text written by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, Gooi extended heartfelt congratulations to the Penang Chess Association (PCA) and the Malaysian Chess Federation (MCF) for hosting the prestigious tournament from July 1 to 11.
“Malaysia is truly honoured to host this tournament, which unites young chess talents from ASEAN nations and dialogue partners such as the United States, China, Russia, India, South Korea, Japan, and others.
“Chess is more than a game of strategy; it sharpens the intellect, instils discipline, and encourages healthy competition. I believe this championship will not only promote regional sportsmanship but also strengthen diplomatic ties and mutual understanding among participating countries.
“To all players, I urge you to seize this opportunity to gain invaluable experience, demonstrate your abilities, and bring pride to your nations,” he said.
PCA president See Swee Sie highlighted the inclusivity of the tournament, noting that the youngest player is just five years old, while the oldest is nearly 80.
“This reflects the beauty of the game of chess; it transcends age, gender, status, race and religion.”
She thanked the World Chess Federation (FIDE) for offering Direct Titles to champions in various categories: International Master/Women International Master and FIDE Master/Woman FIDE Master for the Under-20, Under-18, Under-16, Under-14, and Under-12, Chess Master/Woman Chess Master for Under-14, Under-12, Under-10, Under-8 and Under-6 champions, and Direct IM tile for winners in the Seniors Over 50 and Over 65 categories.
See is also very grateful to Inari Amertron for sponsoring the tournament and to the Ministry of Youth and Sports for providing a Sports Matching Grant to help PCA organise the event.
See added that the Prime Minister’s Trophy (PMX Trophy) would be awarded to the best-performing Malaysian player. Additionally, Penang players who emerge as champions or score more than 4.5 points would be rewarded by PCA to further encourage excellence.
See noted that the tournament was rebranded in 2007 as the ASEAN+ Age Group Chess Championships to include dialogue partners Australia, China, Hong Kong, Macau, India, Japan, New Zealand, Russia, South Korea and the United States.
“This pivotal decision expanded the reach and prestige of the event, opening doors to chess talents from across Asia and beyond.”
See also expressed appreciation to Lithuanian artist Ernest Zacharevic for allowing the use of his iconic Children on a Bicycle mural as the tournament’s official image.
“It is hard to imagine a more fitting representation. After all, this tournament is for the young (and the young at heart). The mural, like the championship itself, celebrates youth, movement, imagination and the simple joy of discovery. In many ways, it reflects what these players bring to the chess board: boldness, curiosity and a spirit that’s always on the move.”
She invited participants to return for the Penang International Chess Festival scheduled from Dec 18 to 25 at Wesley Methodist International School.
ASEAN Chess Confederation (ACC) president Sahapol Nakvanich described the tournament as not only a showcase of talent but a celebration of discipline and cross-border friendship.
“To our young players, you are the heart of this championship. Whether it’s your first international tournament or not, every move you make is a step towards personal growth, not just in chess but in character and resilience,” Sahapol said.
Also present were Amran Taib, general manager of Berjaya Hotel, Penang; Mohamed Zainulalawdin, Senior HR Manager, Inari Amertron Bhd; Ashwin Gunasekaran, CEO of Penang Covention & Exhibition; Harry Chai Heng Hua, director of the Penang State Sports Council; Richard Tan, president of Johor Chess Association; Dr Choong Sim Poey (former president of PCA), Richard Tan, president of Johor BA; Ignatius Leong, Founding President, ASEAN Chess Federation; Balbabaev Berik, Special Assistant to the FIDE President; Mohd Azmanizam Baharom, president Perdasama, and Datuk Linda Geh, president of the Squash Rackets Association of Penang.
Story by K.H. Ong
Pix by Noor Siti Nabilah Noorazis