Bharat Singh Chauhan re-elected as Chairman of Commonwealth Chess Association
Wasakaduwa, May 18
Continuing his remarkable contribution towards the growth and development of chess over the last five decades, Bharat Singh Chauhan of India has been re-elected unanimously and unopposed as Chairman of the Commonwealth Chess Association for the term 2026-2030.
The elections were held during the Annual General Body Meeting of the Commonwealth Chess Association at Citrus Hotel, Wasakaduwa, Sri Lanka, on Sunday.
Akhramsyah Muammar Ubaidsh Sanusi of Malaysia was elected unopposed as Deputy Chairman, G. Luxman Wijesuriya of Sri Lanka as General Secretary, and Vicky Magu of South Africa as Treasurer.
Hurrynarain Bhowany of Mauritius, Allan Herbert of Barbados, Benard Wanjala of Kenya, Craig Hall of New Zealand and Crition Tornaritis of Cyprus were also elected unopposed as Executive Members of the Association, according to a press release.
The election process was conducted under the supervision of Hon'ble Santiago Pushpa Kumara Ekaratne, Retired Judge of the High Court, who served as the Returning Officer for the elections.
During the meeting, the Association also resolved to introduce the Commonwealth School Chess Championship, with the inaugural edition scheduled to be held in Malaysia in October 2026.
Chauhan's re-election reflects the confidence and trust reposed in his visionary leadership and longstanding dedication towards strengthening and promoting chess across the Commonwealth nations.
Luxman Wijesuriya's re-election as General Secretary was also seen as a testament to his exceptional administrative skills and valuable contribution towards the smooth functioning and continued progress of the Commonwealth Chess Association.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Good to see continental chess bodies having Indian leadership. But I wish they focused more on grassroots chess in smaller Commonwealth countries rather than just top-level tournaments. Still, congratulations to all elected members.
Commonwealth Chess Association elections were held in Sri Lanka, and an Indian is chairman again. Bharat Singh Chauhan's experience will help chess grow across the Commonwealth. The school championship idea is spot-on - we need more such platforms for kids. Abhimaan hai! 👏
Unopposed re-election shows the trust everyone has in Chauhan sir. Also good to see representation from across the Commonwealth - Africa, Caribbean, Oceania, Europe. Chess truly unites! But I hope they also promote women's chess more aggressively in these regions.
Big congratulations! Bharat Singh Chauhan has been a pillar of Indian chess administration for decades. From organising national events to now leading Commonwealth chess - what a journey. The school championship in Malaysia will be great for exposure. Well-deserved re-election!
While this is good news, I wonder how much actual development happens at the grassroots level in smaller Commonwealth nations. India's chess boom has been driven by domestic initiatives. Hope Chauhan sir uses his position to truly democratise chess access across the Commonwealth.
A We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.