Unleashing Excitement: Announcing the Asian Rapid Team Championship 2024 in Hong Kong
The inaugural edition of Asian Rapid Team Chess Championship 2024 will take place in Hong Kong from 21st to 25th August. The tournament is open to any team comprising at least six players, maximum nine, including at least one female player and one who has never crossed 2000 FIDE rating in either Standard, Rapid or Blitz format. For more details, please check the tournament regulations. The top three prizes are HKD 100000 + cup, 60000 and 40000 along with a medal for each member of the team, provided they have played at least one game. Registration deadline is 1st June 12 p.m. Hong Kong time, 9:30 a.m. IST. Teams only need to register six players by that time. The remaining three players if needed can be added till 22nd August 10 a.m. Hong Kong time. Photo: Official site
In a landmark announcement, the Asian Chess Federation has revealed plans for the highly anticipated Asian Rapid Chess Team Championship, set to captivate chess enthusiasts in the bustling metropolis of Hong Kong this August. Building upon the resounding success of its predecessor, the inaugural World Rapid Chess Team Championship held in Germany, this event promises to elevate the sport to new heights on the Asian continent.
K K Chan, President of the Hong Kong China Chess Federation, expressed his enthusiasm for hosting this prestigious event, stating, the Asian Rapid Chess Team Championship represents a thrilling opportunity to showcase the talent and passion for chess that thrives in our region. We are honoured to welcome players from across Asia to compete in our international city. Notably, this championship emphasizes inclusivity by welcoming recreational players, fostering harmony and unity within the chess community. K K Chan highlighted the significance of this approach, affirming, by embracing players of all backgrounds and abilities, we strengthen the bonds of camaraderie and enrich the chess experience for everyone involved.
Schedule
The tournament will take place from 22nd to 25th August, 21st is the arrival day. There are four rounds on 22nd and 23rd August. On 24th August, there will be three rounds. There is a Blitz tournament on 25th August from 10 a.m. onwards.
Remarkably, this event marks a historic milestone as the first time the Hong Kong government has provided financial support for a chess tournament held in the city. This endorsement underscores the growing recognition of chess as a valuable cultural and educational pursuit, further solidifying Hong Kong's position as an international hub for intellectual engagement and sporting excellence. Moreover, the championship's emergence symbolizes the burgeoning popularity of chess across the Asian region. With increasing participation and interest from diverse communities, the Asian Rapid Chess Team Championship serves as a testament to the game's universal appeal and its ability to transcend geographical and cultural boundaries.
Venue
As chess continues to captivate minds and inspire strategic thinking throughout Asia, this championship stands as a beacon of the sport's flourishing presence in the region. Teams interested in participating can register at the official website, with the deadline for registration set for July 31. As preparations for the championship gather pace, excitement is building within the global chess community. With over 500 participants expected to converge in Hong Kong, this event promises to be a spectacle of strategic brilliance and intense competition. From seasoned grandmasters to aspiring amateurs, players from across Asia will come together to showcase their skills and vie for the coveted title of champion team.
Accommodation
Beyond the thrill of competition, the championship offers a unique opportunity for players to forge lasting friendships and exchange ideas with fellow enthusiasts from diverse backgrounds. Whether hailing from bustling metropolises or remote villages, participants share a common passion for the game, bridging cultural divides and fostering a sense of global solidarity. In the heart of Hong Kong, amidst the towering skyscrapers and bustling streets, the spirit of chess will reign supreme. As the chess world converges on this vibrant international city, the Asian Rapid Chess Team Championship promises to be a celebration of diversity, inclusivity, and the enduring power of the game to unite and inspire players from all walks of life.
Prizes
The top three prizes are HKD 100000, 60000 and 40000 each. The winning team receives a cup. All members of the top three teams will receive a medal, provided the player has played at least one game. The prize money will be paid in cash by Hong Kong dollars.
About the Author
K K Chan is an International Arbiter, Lecturer, FIDE Trainer, International Organizer and the President of Hong Kong Chess Federation. He is also a member of Global Strategy Commission. He has been a Chief or Deputy Chief Arbiter at many FIDE major events.