Impasse ends, Pakistan chess star sees an opening

What Imran Khan did to cricket in Pakistan, they want someone to do the same for chess. But until that happens at home, the Pakistan chess f...

What Imran Khan did to cricket in Pakistan, they want someone to do the same for chess. But until that happens at home, the Pakistan chess fraternity has found inspiration next doors. Mehmood Ahmed Lodhi, Pakistan8217;s national champion for the 10 years, can8217;t stop talking about international chess superstar Viswanathan Anand. 8216;8216;He is a gentleman and we in Pakistan look up to him,8217;8217; he says.

In a country where organised chess is unheard of, Lodhi is the lone ranger who over the years has been fighting the odds. His singular efforts has seen him become his country8217;s first International Master and holder of two GM norms. But Lodhi, who is here for the Commonwealth Chess tournament, sees light at the end of the tunnel.

The former bank employee and now a businessman 8212; apart from being a Bollywood fan he is deeply passionate about Saint Tulsidas8217; couplets 8212; pins his hopes on the recent thaw between India and Pakistan. A development which he feels would mutually benefit the neighbours in all respect.

8216;8216;Take an example of the PIA flight that brought me here. There were many Indians working in the Gulf who were travelling to their homes via Pakistan. Even a saving of 50 from their air-travel expenses makes a lot of difference to them,8217;8217; he says.

The 42-year-old has a deep bond with India. He traces his roots to Jalandhar from where his father Abdul Aziz Lodhi migrated during partition. His debut at the international level happened in New Delhi in 1983 at the Asian Team Championship. Four years later in Kolkata, he became Pakistan8217;s first International Master title.

A descendent of ancient India8217;s Lodhi rulers, this pathan prefers to play down his blue-blood status. 8216;8216;What if my forefathers were badshahs. Who am I now? I am a darveshi gypsy who likes to enjoy life.8217;8217;

But back home, Lodhi is certainly the undisputed king of the 64 squares. For many years, he was Pakistan8217;s only IM, till Shahzad Mirza joined the ranks. Now they also have for company FIDE Masters in Dastgir Butt and Umer Khan. The reason for just a few handful taking up chess seriously according to Lodhi is 8216;8216;lack of big tournaments in Pakistan.8217;8217;

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But with the two nations coming close, the Indian chess has extended a helping hand. The All India Chess Federation secretary and FIDE vice-president PT Ummer Koya is already talking about an Indo-Pakistan series. 8216;8216;We are going to help them out in every way,8217;8217; he insists.