Punjab wins both (Open & Women) Pakistan National Team Chess Championships 2018 which were held from January 4th (day of arrival) until January 8th (day of departure) 2017 at Pakistan Sports Board Quetta Center, Quetta Balochistan.

Punjab team led by IM Mehmood Lodhi on top board, Dr. Murtaza Ali on 2nd and Ishtiaq Chaudhry on 3rd won all it 4 matches in a convincing way and grab the Gold Medal. While Balochistan Bolan (Ali Madad, Muhammad Afzal Mengal and Muhammad Yousaf Baloch) got silver medal after having defeated by Punjab in 3rd round. Zarghoon team got bronze medal with 2 wins.

Punjab also dominated the Women Championship and secured Gold Medal. Punjab team consisted of National Women Master and Pakistan No. 2 Saira Rafique, WCM Nameeqa Aslam, Mushal Fatima and Iqra Nazir. While Balochistan got Silver Medal.

The Championships was organized by Balochistan Chess Association in collaboration with Chess Federation of Pakistan and under the Umbrella of Asian Chess Federation (ACF) and World Chess Federation (FIDE).

IM Mehmood Lodhi watching games of Punjab vs. Balochistan


(L-R) Mr. Ishtiaq Ch., IM Lodhi Receiving Trophy, Mr. Ghulam Abbas President CAP, Mr. Abdul Aziz Khan President BCA, presenting Trophy, Mr. Waqar Ahmad Madni, General Secretary Chess Federation of Pakistan

(L-R) Mr. Waqar Ahmad Madni, General Secretary Chess Federation of Pakistan, Mr. Abdul Aziz Khan President BCA and IM Mahmood Lodhi