Sports Desk:

Bangladesh’s promising young chess player, Wasria Khushbu, has been awarded the title of Woman FIDE Master (WFM) by the World Chess Federation after crossing the 2100 rating threshold. With a current rating of 2145, the 13-year-old comfortably met the criteria set by FIDE for the prestigious title.

According to FIDE regulations, a female player is eligible to apply for the WFM title upon achieving a rating of 2100 or higher. Khushbu’s rapid rise in the sport has been backed by consistent success in age-group national and international tournaments.

Women’s chess in Bangladesh has a long history, but the country has yet to produce a Woman Grandmaster (WGM). Legendary players like Rani Hamid, Shamima Akter Liza, and Sharmin Sultana Shirin have reached the Woman International Master (WIM) level, but no further. Below WIM, the WFM title is the next step in the hierarchy — and Bangladesh has fewer than 10 women holding it.

Khushbu expressed her joy and gratitude for the achievement on Facebook, writing:

“I am very happy with this achievement. Thanks to everyone who has been by my side and encouraged me. I am grateful to my team, the Bangladesh Navy.”