Hoor Fatima, a prodigious four-year-old chess player from Kashmir, has once again captured the spotlight of the international chess community with her latest triumph at the prestigious Field Marshal Sheikh Khalifa Bin Ahmed Al Khalifa 1st Ramadan Chess Tournament in Bahrain
Despite her tender age, the Srinagar-born has shown remarkable dedication and strategic prowess, participating in international tournaments. Her journey began in Jammu and Kashmir, where her talent was nurtured from a young age. Her exceptional performance has made her a rising star in the chess community.
Hoor clinched the Champion’s Cup in the Under-8 age category at the Field Marshal Sheikh Khalifa Bin Ahmed Al Khalifa organized by the Bahrain Chess Federation which took place at the Al Hekma Society for Retirees in Bahrain.
The tournament, directed by Ebrahim Al Burshaid, featured a Swiss-System format with nine rounds and attracted 54 participants from various countries, including Bahrain, Egypt, India, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Morocco, and the Philippines.
Hoor Fatima’s impressive track record includes securing the 2nd position and a prestigious medal in the under-six category at the Blitz Tournament 2024 organized by the Chess Championship Academy of Bahrain, winning 3rd place and the youngest award in the born-under-2016 category at the Jeddah Festival Tournament, representing Jammu and Kashmir state in the National under-11 at Vizag, Andhra Pradesh, India, and becoming the youngest champion of the 2nd and 3rd Kashmir Open International FIDE rated chess tournaments.
Additionally, she shone as a rising star in the Jeddah International Chess Festival 2024, where she secured the youngest cup and 3rd position, and earned acclaim in the Karpov Cup.
“Chess is not just a game but a tool for developing strategic thinking and discipline. We are grateful for the support and encouragement from the Bahrain Chess Federation, and I hope more young girls will be inspired to pursue sports, especially chess,” she said.