A 10-member chess team from Pakistan is set to compete in the prestigious 45th Chess Olympiad, which will be held in Budapest, Hungary, from September 10 to 23.

The squad, comprising five male and five female players, is ready to showcase their skills on the global stage. This year’s Olympiad is expected to host participants from 190 countries, making it one of the largest chess events in the world.

The Chess Federation of Pakistan is optimistic about the team’s readiness, although two players are still awaiting their visas.

Non-playing members Salim Akhtar and Shujaat Ali will accompany the team as officials.

The men’s team includes Mafaaz Khalid, Amer Karim, Momin Fayzan, Muhammad Luqman Baig, and Mudasir Iqbal, all of whom have competed in various national chess events.

The women’s team includes Sehba Shah, Zenobia Wasif, Mehak Gul, Sehrish, and 12-year-old Ayat Asmi. Sehba Shah will receive special assistance from the World Chess Federation (FIDE) due to her physical disability.

The Chess Federation of Pakistan has been encouraging chess in schools and communities, hoping to nurture young talent like Ayat Asmi. If the team performs well at the Olympiad, it could serve as a boost for the sport’s popularity in Pakistan.