Mahindra Comviva, a global leader in providing mobility solutions, has joined hands with Grandmaster Niaz Murshed in a bid to groom the talented Fide Master Fahad Rahman as the next GM of Bangladesh.
Besides providing a monthly stipend to Fahad, Mahindra Comviva will also cover all the expenses whenever the 12-year old participates in any international tournament within the next one year. Niaz, south Asia's first GM, on the other hand will train Fahad for the same duration.
The details of the agreement were announced in a press conference at a city hotel in the capital yesterday.
Niaz expressed excitement with his new role as the mentor of Fahad, who achieved the Fide Master norm two years ago, and said he is very much looking forward to working his magic with the child prodigy.
“I noticed Fahad facing some problems with his opening moves while his theoretical aspects also need some improving. His rating is currently 2131. Within a year, I aim to increase it to 2250. But I am sure that he will shine and become a GM eventually,” Niaz told the media.
“It's been more than a decade since a Bangladeshi became GM. I hope Fahad will be able to bring an end to the drought,” he added.
Fahad also echoed the same sentiment and said, “My ultimate target is to become the next GM of this country. Before that though, I have to achieve the norm of International Master. I will work harder in order to achieve my dream and I thank Mahindra Comviva for their assistance.”
Fahad's parents and siblings accompanied him in the press conference where the State Minister of Youth and Sports Sri Biren Sikder was present as the chief guest.
Reyad Hasnain, Bangladesh's country manager of Mahindra Comviva, was also present in the programme.