Wadifa Ahmed becomes International Master

Bangladeshi FIDE Master Wadifa Ahmed has achieved the International Master (IM) title after emerging as the champion in the Asian Zonal Chess Championship, held in Colombo, Sri Lanka, on Tuesday, reports UNB.

With this achievement, Wadifa not only clinched the zonal chess title but also secured the International Master title, as per tournament regulations.

Besides, she earned the right to compete in the next Women's World Cup Chess set to begin on July 5 in Georgia.

Needing only a draw in the final round to qualify for the Women's World Cup Chess, Wadifa faced Bangladesh IM Rani Hamid and secured a draw, successfully reaching her target.

As per tournament bylaws, the champion of the Asian Zonal Chess Championship is directly awarded the International Master title without needing to meet additional norms.

Wadifa becomes the fourth Women's International Master from Bangladesh, following in the footsteps of Rani Hamid, Shamima Sultana, and Shirin Sultana.