By Ghani Ur Rehman
Sports are the soul of any society, inspiring the younger generation towards healthy activities while instilling values such as discipline, patience, and strategic thinking. While cricket, hockey, and football remain the most celebrated sports in Pakistan, the tireless efforts of those who promote intellectual games like chess often go unnoticed. One such remarkable figure is the late Abdul Saleem, whose dedication laid the foundation for chess in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and took it to unprecedented heights.
Abdul Saleem played a pivotal role in bringing chess to prominence not only in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa but also across Pakistan. His name is destined to be remembered in golden words in the history of Pakistan’s chess development. He served as President of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chess Association (KPCA) for two consecutive terms (2004-2008 and 2008-2012) and held the office of General Secretary of the Chess Federation of Pakistan during the same period. Later, he was elected President of the Chess Federation of Pakistan for two terms (2013-2017 and 2017-2019), contributing immensely to the game’s growth at the national level.
Under his dynamic leadership, groundbreaking initiatives were introduced for the promotion of chess across the country. Organizing national and international tournaments in various cities, identifying and grooming young talent, and preparing players for international competitions were hallmarks of his successful tenure. Thanks to his personal passion and commitment, a relatively less popular game like chess managed to carve out its distinct identity in Pakistan and became a source of hope and inspiration for aspiring players.
His unparalleled services are still fondly remembered and acknowledged by the chess community in Pakistan, particularly in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, where his efforts are considered the cornerstone of the sport’s development.
Carrying forward his legacy, the current President of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chess Association, Umar Khan, is taking commendable steps to ensure the continued promotion of chess in the province. Alongside him, Abdul Saleem’s son, Kashif Saleem, a well-known figure in the chess circles of not only Khyber Pakhtunkhwa but across Pakistan, is passionately advancing his father’s mission. Under Kashif Saleem’s leadership, the province regularly hosts training workshops, tournaments, and competitions, successfully attracting a new generation of players to the sport.
Experts believe that if this dedication and momentum persist, the day is not far when Khyber Pakhtunkhwa will emerge as the new hub of chess in Pakistan. National and international chess organizations have also recognized and appreciated the invaluable contributions of the late Abdul Saleem, who will forever be remembered as one of the founding figures responsible for the rise of chess in the country. The determination and efforts of the new leadership clearly indicate that this mission is far from over—it is steadily progressing towards even greater achievements.
