KARACHI: Country’s renowned chess player Mahmood Lodhi achieved excellence by becoming the first Pakistani player to secure the World Grand Master’s title in 70 years when he won the 8th Asian Seniors Chess Championship in Auckland, New Zealand.

“Achieving the GM title was my dream and I could not sleep for two nights after this accomplishment for Pakistan,” Lodhi told a group of reporters at the Quaid-e-Azam International Airport upon his return from New Zealand.

On arrival at the airport, Lodhi was greeted by Director Mind Sports Association of Pakistan (MSAP), Tariq Rasheed Khan and International Master Shahzad Mirza and few supporters and media personnel.

No official of Chess Federation of Pakistan (CFP), Sindh Chess Association or Karachi Chess Association were present to welcome Lodhi at the airport.

“A couple of well-wishers and chess lovers provided me loan for a trip to New Zealand,” 55-year-old Lodhi, who hails from Gujranwala, said.

“My appeal to sports authorities of Pakistan is to get me my PIA job restored which was terminated over 10 years ago without any reason,” said the record 15-time national champion who is currently out of job.

He called for support and better treatment of the sports persons in the country who bring honor and glory for Pakistan.

“If I get proper support from the government, I can bring the world title to Pakistan,” added Lodhi.

He expressed hope that securing the GM title will end his struggle and he will get support for featuring in international GM events.

“Grand Masters in other countries get great support and respect. But I am still waiting for it to happen in Pakistan,” he said.

Besides dominating Pakistan chess scene for over three decades, Lodhi has represented Pakistan in over a dozen World Chess Olympiads.

Published in Dawn, October 18th, 2017