Doha: Qatar Indian Association (QIA) is organising a chess tournament and inviting participants from the Indian community. The online event will have participants contest in a unique new team format, bringing together players from different Indian communities and organisations.
QIA will conduct the tournament in association with organising partner Chess Era, from August 26 to September 3. The tournament is open to Indian communities and organisations, who will participate as teams, in 5x5 rapid chess format, on a league cum knockout basis. Total prize money of QR 6000 is on offer for this event.
Registration will be on a first come first serve basis, and a maximum of 16 teams will be entered into the tournament. Teams will be divided into pools where they will be facing the other teams in the league round, before the best-placed teams qualify for the knockout round.
All players must be Indian citizens. Each team shall consist of a maximum of seven members of which five must have valid Qatar ID, while the other two players need not be Qatari residents. 
The inspiration for this new tournament comes from the former chief patron of QIA, the late MS Bukhari, who passed away last year. A pillar of support for the association and its activities. "It is therefore fitting that this new tournament will carry his name and will keep his legacy alive," said the statement. The MS Bukhari Memorial QIA All-India Online Chess Championship will pay tribute to his role in the sports community.
For organisations/community teams interested in participating, registration can be done by contacting the representatives at 50549494/55836615/55606512.
