Exclusive: Bangladeshi chess player deported from India; 80-year-old legend Rani Hamid ‘disturbed’ by events | Chess News

NEW DELHI: Bangladesh’s famend 80-year-old chess player Sayeda Jasimunnessa Khatun, higher often known as Rani Hamid, arrived in India earlier this month to take part within the twenty first version of the Delhi International Open Grandmasters Chess Tournament (June 7-14).The journey that started in excessive spirits took a troubling flip when her journey companion and compatriot, Ashiya Sultana, was denied entry into the nation upon arrival on the Indira Gandhi International Airport in New Delhi.Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW!Sultana, 37, was reportedly blacklisted by the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO) for collaborating in a chess match in Kolkata whereas on a medical visa throughout a earlier go to.As a consequence, she was held on the Airport immigration centre in a single day and denied entry to her baggage. Subsequently, she was deported to Bangladesh the next day.The incident left Rani Hamid visibly shaken and emotionally distressed. “I am very sad,” Hamid told TimesofIndia.com on the sidelines of the Delhi GM Open. “The person who came with me was not allowed to enter India. She was made to sit overnight at the immigration centre. They did not even give her access to her luggage. The next day, she was forced to buy a return ticket at double the price,” she mentioned. “My mind is disturbed, and I am unable to focus on the game.”As a results of the unlucky flip of events, Hamid (rated 1800+) has had a difficult run within the match thus far, securing one win and one draw out of six rounds, all towards lower-rated opponents.Hamid, who has lengthy refrained from travelling alone for tournaments resulting from her rising age, added, “I never travel alone. I always have someone with me. She was accompanying me, and now she is gone. I have been left alone.”

Speaking additional on the scenario, the 80-year-old, who turned Bangladesh’s first Woman International Master (WIM) in 1985, voiced deep concern over the obvious lack of coordination between the Indian and Bangladeshi authorities.“Her passport was clear, all documents were in order, but immigration told her she had been blacklisted for playing in a previous tournament on a medical visa,” Hamid continued.“At the time, she wasn’t even aware that it was a violation. If she had been informed earlier, she would never have come. The Indian authorities should have notified the Bangladesh Chess Federation.”

Hamid added that she pleaded with immigration officers for leniency. “I requested them: if you believe she violated the rules, then impose a fine, $100, $200, whatever, but let her stay and play for seven days. She is not a criminal. She hasn’t committed any crime. She didn’t kill, steal, or rob anyone. Her only offence is that she played chess.”Despite the emotional pressure, Rani Hamid, nevertheless, acknowledged the assist and hospitality supplied by the organising committee of the Delhi Chess Association (DCA).ALSO READ: Rs 50,000 a month and numerous sacrifices: How India’s chess future shapes up in Chennai hutWith the match held at The Tivoli, a resort in Chhatarpur, Delhi, the place worldwide members are additionally accommodated, it takes Hamid lower than 5 minutes to stroll from her room to the enjoying corridor. “It is very comfortable here. I can play only because of that comfort. I am very grateful to the organisers who sent tickets and invited us so warmly,” she mentioned.DCA president Bharat Singh Chauhan described the incident as one of many many challenges that include organising a significant worldwide occasion.“Visa issues are common for foreign players. In this case, the FRRO had blacklisted her. Perhaps she had previously come to India for medical treatment and ended up playing in a chess tournament, which may have led someone to file a complaint. As a result, she was denied entry. These kinds of challenges are part and parcel of hosting large-scale events,” he defined.