‘I’ll do everything I can to become a Grandmaster within the next two years’

Manon Reja Neer, a chess prodigy from Narayanganj, has quickly ascended the ranks to become Bangladesh's youngest International Master.

At just 14 years and 3 months, Neer broke the longstanding record of Grandmaster Niyaz Morshed by earning the prestigious title at an even younger age.

This achievement followed his undefeated victory at the 48th National Chess Championship in July, where he held his ground against three grandmasters to secure the national title.

Neer's exceptional performance continued into September at the Chess Olympiad, where he defeated seasoned international players, further cementing his status among the country's elite chess players. With his rating now surpassing 2400, Neer's position in the global chess arena is firmly established

In an exclusive interview with The Business Standard, Neer talks about his journey, the challenges faced by Bangladeshi chess players, and his aspirations to reach the Grandmaster title.

First of all, tell us about your overall experience during this month-long tour of Hungary.

To be honest, it was quite exhausting. We had almost 35 days of non-stop matches, playing in three additional tournaments besides the Chess Olympiad. However, despite the physical fatigue, it was refreshing to compete in such a challenging environment, facing players of a high calibre. I gained invaluable experience and learned a great deal firsthand. Overall, it was a breath of fresh air for me.

How did your journey in chess begin, and what helped you reach this level at such a young age?

My interest in chess has been there since childhood. Whether it was playing against my father or on the computer, I always found it incredibly enjoyable. I eventually stepped into competitive chess around 2018, thanks to the Chess Federation, and from there, my journey truly began to take shape.

How much of an impact have the Grandmasters of Bangladesh had on your chess career?

The Grandmasters have played a pivotal role in my chess journey. Their experience has served as a tremendous guide. Grandmaster Ziaur Rahman, who recently passed away, was especially influential. I considered him a great mentor. I had the privilege of training under him for 12 days at his home before his passing. It's unfortunate that his life was cut short because I believe I could have learned so much more from him.

After observing players from various countries at the Chess Olympiad, do you think there's a difference in the facilities provided to them compared to Bangladeshi chess players?

In my view, the difference is vast. The gap in skills between us and players from other countries was also evident. If you compare the number of Grandmasters they have to what we have, the disparity is clear. They have easier access to sponsorships, and their federations provide advanced training, which isn't the case for us. This creates a noticeable difference in skills and results. Before international tournaments, the lack of sponsorship made it much harder for us to participate, while others didn't face the same struggles.

Do you believe Bangladesh has the potential to reach the level of India, who won the Chess Olympiad in both divisions?

The level of social support for chess in India and Bangladesh is vastly different. In Bangladesh, once a player reaches a certain level, parents often ask, "What's the benefit of playing chess?" Unfortunately, they're not wrong. Chess doesn't provide a sustainable career path here. Even our Grandmasters struggle to receive proper financial support. How, then, can parents motivate their children to pursue chess as a career? In contrast, cricket in Bangladesh has a promising future, so parents push their children to chase their cricketing dreams, knowing success is attainable. India has invested heavily in chess, dedicating time and resources, and they have rightfully rewarded their players for bringing honour to the country. As long as the state of chess in Bangladesh remains as it is, I don't think we'll reach that level.

Do you think a lack of media coverage hampers the progress of young players like yourself?

Absolutely. Without media coverage, we don't get the recognition we deserve, and the general public remains unaware of our efforts. This lack of recognition can take a toll on us mentally, making us feel like our hard work has gone unnoticed. Furthermore, it affects our ability to secure financial backing through sponsorships. At the end of the day, no sports career is sustainable without financial support.

As the youngest International Master in Bangladesh, what are your current plans for achieving the Grandmaster title?

If I receive the necessary support and training, I'll do everything I can to become a Grandmaster within the next two years. My ultimate goal is to become the world champion – a challenging feat, but definitely within reach. Unfortunately, there isn't any proper training available from the Federation or other authorities. However, I sincerely hope this changes soon so I can elevate my position in the world of chess.