Grandmaster Zia’s son receives financial assistance from BCB
The BCB's initiative aims to help Tahsin compete in these tournaments and follow in his father’s footsteps to achieve the Grandmaster title.
The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has extended financial assistance to Tahsin Tajwar Zia, son of the late Grandmaster Ziaur Rahman. The 19-year-old FIDE Master has been granted financial support to participate in three international tournaments abroad this year. In a statement on 27 January, BCB announced that it would provide Tahsin with BDT 1.58 million.
Competing in international chess tournaments is an expensive endeavour. Without sponsors, it is challenging for an individual to bear such costs. The BCB's initiative aims to help Tahsin compete in these tournaments and follow in his father's footsteps to achieve the Grandmaster title.
Wishing Tahsin success, BCB President Faruk Ahmed said in the statement, "Tahsin is an exceptionally talented chess player. It's delightful to see him following his legendary father's path. We want to support his efforts to achieve the International Master title as he aspires to become a Grandmaster. BCB is proud to be part of Tahsin's journey. We see this as a way of showing gratitude to Grandmaster Ziaur Rahman for his remarkable contributions to chess and the nation's sports."
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Currently holding a FIDE rating of 2,323, Tahsin is a FIDE Master. This year, he is set to compete in the World Junior U-20 Chess Championship in Montenegro, the Asian Zonal Chess Championship in Sri Lanka, and Grandmaster and International Master events in Hungary. The BCB's financial support will cover the expenses for these tournaments, aiming to help Tahsin achieve International Master norms.
The BCB is the wealthiest among Bangladesh's sports federations. In the past, it has extended support to other federations, players, and organisers without hesitation. Recently, the Chess Federation approached BCB for financial assistance, requesting BDT 10 million to fund training under foreign coaches and send players to several international tournaments this year.
The BCB's assistance is not unprecedented. Previously, experienced opener Tamim Iqbal also supported the family of the late Grandmaster Zia. In November last year, Tamim met Zia's wife and son at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium's indoor facility in Mirpur, handing them a cheque for BDT 500,000.
