KARACHI, May 17: The Mind Sports Association of Pakistan (MSAP) is planning to invite world chess champion Viswanathan Anand of India and the legendary Garry Kasparov during the second National Mind Sports Championships, to be held at Southend Club here from July 13-15.

“We are extending an invitation to chess star Anand and Kasparov as guests of honor for Pakistan’s top event,” Director of MSAP Tariq Rasheed Khan disclosed on Thursday while talking to reporters.

“The MSAP is working on sending the invitation to Anand through Indian Chess Federation and is also trying to make direct contact with Kasparov,” he said.

Tariq further said the MSAP was also considering inviting India’s women Grand Master Koneru Humpy.

“The basic purpose of inviting Anand, Kasparov and Humpy is to boost mind sports in the country,” said Tariq.

Bridge, chess and scrabble events will also be the part of National Mind Sports Championship which would be carrying a lucrative prize money of Rs1.5 million.

“To give this year’s event an international colour, the MSAP would also be inviting players from Bangladesh, India and some gulf countries for the event,” he added. “With the help of Pakistan’s bridge star Zia Mahmood we are inviting bridge teams from US and England,” he said.

Besides MSAP, the Pakistan Scrabble Association (PSA) is also making efforts to invite a couple of world’s top players for the event, said Tariq.

According to the MSAP plans, three mind sports trainers will be also invited to coach top Pakistan players. “Coaching and training activity will help in raising the standard of Pakistan players,” he asserted.

Tariq expressed hope that this year’s championships will change the face of mind sports in Pakistan. He said on the basis of performances, the MSAP will also select Pakistan squad for the second World Mind Sports Championship, scheduled to be held in Lille (France) from Aug 9 to 23.—APP