KARACHI: Pakistan’s newly-crowned Grand Mas­ter Mahmood Ahmed Lodhi is looking to join European Chess Circuit next year.

“After realising my longtime dream of becoming the first Grand Master from Pakistan, now I am eager to join the world chess circuit,” he told Dawn on Wednesday.

But it all depends on financial support and backing of the sponsors, added Lodhi, who has won the national crown a record 15 times.

Lodhi borrowed ticket money from a friend to feature in the Asian Seniors Chess Championship held in New Zealand last month and retained his crown while achieving GM Status.

“India has 45 GMs and Bangla­desh two,” he said. “If proper funding is provided I’m sure I can bring more glory and honour to the country.”

Lodhi, who has reseprented Pakistan in a dozen World Chess Olympiads, said he has received invitations to play in tournaments in Australia, New Zealand, Bang­ladesh and the United Arab Emirates.

“The Dubai Open Chess [to be held in April] is my next target,” he said.

Meanwhile, Mind Sports Association of Pakistan (MSAP) directors Tariq Rasheed Khan and Shahid Iqbal, under the patronage of its chairman Khurshid Hadi, are negotiating with sponsors for Lodhi.

“Lodhi is chess star of Pakistan and an asset for country,” Tariq said. “His accomplishments are extraordinary and with sponsorship, he can go places.”

Published in Dawn, November 9th, 2017