The National Chess Championship got underway in Islamabad on Friday, bringing together more than 250 male and female players from across Pakistan to compete in the six-day event, 24NewsHD TV reported.
Federal Secretary for Inter-Provincial Coordination Mohyuddin Wani formally inaugurated the championship.
The opening ceremony was also attended by Pakistan Sports Board (PSB) Director General Yawar Hussain and the Ambassador of Kazakhstan.
Speaking on the occasion, Pakistan Chess Federation President Zeeshan Naqvi said the federation was taking practical steps to promote chess at the grassroots and national levels.
He noted that Pakistani youth possess immense talent in the game and deserve greater opportunities to excel.
The National Chess Championship will continue for six days, with players competing for top honors in various categories.