On June 5th Sheikh Sultan bin Khalifah Al Nahyan, president of the Asian Chess Federation, launched the first Annual Asian Chess Excellence Awards at a press conference at the Danat Hotel in Al Ain, United Arab Emirates. Together with Asian Chess Federation Deputy President Casto Abundo of the Philippines and Secretary General Hisham Al Taher of the UAE, Sheikh Sultan announced the awardees. The awards are sponsored by Etihad Airways, Abu Dhabi Sports Council and Abu Dhabi Tourism and Culture Authority. The 1st Asian Excellence Awards took place on the rest day of Asian Clubs Champions League in Al Ain, UAE, on June 25th. The FIDE President participated in the awarding ceremony.


Continental President for Asia Sheikh Sultan bin Khalifah Al Nahyan

Awarding ceremony (more picture at http://www.ac2014.asianchess.com/)


The Award winners

The FIDE President with Dr. Hani Al-Bitar, the President of the Syrian Chess Federation


Alhaj Almas Zahid, the President of Afghan National Chess Federation, and Mohammad Jafar Kambouzia, the President of Iran Chess Federation

Also the FIDE President met with the new leadership of Afghan National Chess Federation

More photos at http://www.ac2014.asianchess.com/?p=251