Dubai inmates competed from behind bars to secure 5th place in virtual chess championship
A team of inmates from Dubai Police Central Jail took fifth place at the first online edition of the Asian inmate chess championship. Photo: Dubai Police via The National
A team of inmates from Dubai Police's Correctional and Penal Institutions has earned fifth place in the first-ever Asian Inmate Chess Championship, a virtual tournament overseen by the International Chess Federation (FIDE).
The milestone highlights the transformative power of chess as a tool for rehabilitation and reintegration.
The tournament brought together 23 teams from eight countries across Asia. Representing the UAE, Dubai's eight-member team was selected through an intense internal qualifier involving 40 inmates. The selection and training were carried out in collaboration with the Dubai Chess and Culture Club, which provided mentorship and strategic guidance throughout the process.
'The team placed fifth overall, demonstrating a high level of preparation and strategic competence during the final rounds. The outcome reflects the consistency and focus shown by the participants throughout the competition,'
Dubai Police said in a statement
Chess as rehabilitation
Lt. Colonel Muhammad Al Obaidli, Director of the Inmate Education and Training Department at Dubai Police, described the initiative as more than just a competition.
by Taboola
by Taboola
Sponsored Links
Sponsored Links
Promoted Links
Promoted Links
You May Like
Amazon CFD : La clave para un ingreso extra (Conoce más)
Empezar ahora
Registrarse
Undo
'This isn't just about winning games, it's about reclaiming focus, discipline, and self-belief,'
he said, emphasising the rehabilitative role of chess in prison programmes.
'Chess is a tool for rehabilitation, helping inmates develop critical thinking and a sense of purpose.'
This initiative is part of a broader correctional strategy launched under the directives of Major General Marwan Abdul Karim Julfar and actively supported by Brigadier Salah BuOsaibah.
It is aimed at equipping inmates with the cognitive, emotional, and behavioural skills required for a productive reintegration into society.
Next move: Defending world champions
Looking ahead, the team is preparing to compete in the 5th Inmate Chess World Cup, scheduled for October. Dubai Police will enter the global stage not only as participants but as defending champions.
Earlier this year, the Dubai inmates' team secured a landmark victory by beating 115 teams from 51 countries at the Inmate Chess World Cup, organised by the Cook County Office in Chicago.
Lt. Col. Al Obaidli confirmed preparations are already underway:
'The department is currently preparing to participate in the fifth Inmate Chess World Cup… where Dubai Police will return as the previous edition's titleholder.'
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
31 minutes ago
- Time of India
'Like a rugby player': Elon Musk hit Scott Bessent's ribcage after being called a 'fraud', Trump called it 'too much'
Elon Musk and Scott Bessent's fight was not just a push or shove, Musk punched Bessent like a rugby player. A more salacious account of the beginning of the Elon Musk - Donald Trump feud has now surfaced, courtesy MAGA activist Steve Bannon, who claimed that the physical fight between Elon Musk and Scott Bessent was not just a push or shove. But Elon Musk hit Bessent's ribcage like a rugby player and Bessent too hit Musk. Multiple people had to step in to break up the fight as they reached the then NSA Mike Waltz's office. Bannon earlier narrated the physical fight but now presented more details of it after Trump, Musk's ultimate showdown. Bannon said when Trump heard about it he said it was "too much". But this episode had no contribution to Elon Musk's recent black eye as this took place weeks ago when Waltz was the National Security Adviser but the episode can be earmarked as the beginning of the end. Mid-April, Musk and Bessent went to the Oval officer to make their respective cases about their preferences for the acting IRS commissioner. Trump supported Bessent's choice which rankled Musk. After they exited the Oval Office, they started exchanging insults. Bessent called Elon Musk a fraud. That led to the exchange of blows. Before this, Musk expressed his feelings about Trump's tariffs and made personal appeals to Trump to revese the tariffs. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like A stress-relief game that everyone around me is playing Elvenar - Play on Browser Learn More Undo After his exit from the White House, Musk started to attack Donald Trump's Big, Beautiful Bill and their public spat brought their relationship to an end with Elon Musk calling Trump ungrateful, liar and also a pedophile as he hinted that Trump's name is there in Epstein Files. He also called for Trump's impeachment. Donald Trump reacted in a measured way threatening to cut federal funding for Musk's companies. Elon Musk. A day later, Musk deleted his most damning post linking Trump to Epstein but Trump issued another threat that Elon Musk will face very serious consequences if he starts bankrolling Democrats for office.
Time of India
33 minutes ago
- Time of India
Hockey nursery blooms into new school for cricket in city's people-led movement
Bhopal: Once known as the hockey nursery of India, Bhopal has evolved from these roots into a prominent cricket centre, producing national and international players. The city currently features two premier cricket league teams and maintains 27 cricket academies across various grounds. Athletes from Bhopal are now participating in competitions from the Ranji Trophy to the IPL, with new illuminated cricket venues under development and players competing internationally. The past decade witnessed a significant evolution in Bhopal's sporting facilities. The cricket infrastructure expanded considerably, with contemporary amenities being established throughout the city. The Old Campion Ground, Ankur Ground, Faith Cricket Ground, and Bab-e-Ali Stadium have emerged as essential venues for local competitions and training. These facilities regularly host various levels of matches and function as development centres for aspiring cricketers. Senior cricketers and coaches attribute the emergence of cricket talent to the dedication of those involved in the sport. "If we talk about ground-level cricket, it is running because of the people who are associated with this game. The govt has less role in it, and several players have a big contribution to cricket. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Thị trường có dấu hiệu suy thoái không? IC Markets Đăng ký Undo This is the reason why Bhopal is able to produce great players for the country and the state," says senior coach JP Tyagi. The cricket academies maintain systematic training regimens, emphasising technical proficiency and physical conditioning. These institutions are led by former Ranji players and qualified coaches, offering professional guidance to young talents. Regular trials and summer programmes are organised to identify promising players. Senior Coach and former captain of the Madhya Pradesh Ranji team, Brijesh Tomar, acknowledges Bhopal's growing cricket prominence. "Now there are big stadiums equipped with floodlights. Every kind of cricket facility is available in Bhopal. This is the reason why players here are playing well at every level," says Tomar. The two premier cricket league teams have established a competitive environment for local players. "What level the competition has reached in Bhopal can be gauged from the fact that there are 12 all-rounders in the Bhopal Leopards team," says Sanjay Pandey of Bhopal Leopards. The team will participate in MPL under captain Arshad Khan this year, with their first match on June 13 against Jabalpur Royal Lions. Bhopal's cricketers have achieved notable success in professional cricket. The city's participation in the Madhya Pradesh Ranji Trophy team has grown substantially. MP secured their inaugural Ranji Trophy under Bhopal's Aditya Shrivastava's leadership. Aniket Verma and Shivam Shukla represent different IPL teams. Sports promoter Faisal Meer Khan commented on the growing environment for the game in the city, "In the last few years, many academies opened in Bhopal, and these are producing a lot of players. This is a good sign," says Meer. Local players have secured IPL contracts and opportunities to play league cricket internationally, particularly in England and Australia. The ongoing development of illuminated stadiums will enhance the city's cricket facilities. These venues will accommodate evening matches, benefiting working professionals and students. The stadiums feature modern amenities, including indoor practice facilities, fitness centres, and sports medicine units. Senior Coach Mohsin highlights Bhopal's cricket potential. "Every academy has so many children in Bhopal that many times they have to refuse them. That is why players here are playing in every format in the state and outside the state as well," says Mohsin. The cricket sector has generated substantial employment opportunities in Bhopal. Beyond players, there is increasing demand for coaches, physiotherapists, ground staff, and support personnel. Local sports equipment businesses have experienced growth, contributing to the local economy. The transition from hockey to cricket excellence reflects sustained efforts by cricket associations, governmental support, and enthusiasts' dedication. "Bhopal has made its own identity in cricket. We have an excellent pool of talent," said sports promoter Aruneshwar Singh Deo. The city maintains its hockey heritage while supporting cricket's increasing popularity.
Time of India
33 minutes ago
- Time of India
Deported from US, bizman arrested in 30cr export fraud
New Delhi: Economic Offences Wing of Delhi Police arrested Angad Pal Singh, a businessman, in connection with a massive Rs 30.47-crore export fraud involving forged foreign inward remittance certificates (FIRCs). Singh was taken into custody on June 2 after being deported from the US. Singh, who helped his father in the business of auto spare parts, was earlier arrested by Central Bureau of Investigation in another fraud case and was later handed over to EOW for his role in this export scam. Police said a case was registered in 2017 on the complaint of a private bank. The complainant reported that 467 fake FIRCs were submitted to the bank by their 18 account holders (17 firms) during the processing of their export documents. The fake FIRCs were for the period from Sept 26, 2013, to Oct 21, 2015. "Upon receipt of the FIRCs, the bank issued bank realisation certificates (BRCs) to the account holders, who availed trade (export) benefits from the office of Director General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) under the foreign trade policy. All these FIRCs, which ran into crores of rupees, were purportedly issued from a bank at Bhikaji Cama Place," police said. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Amazon CFD : La clave para un ingreso extra (Conoce más) Empezar ahora Registrarse Undo Under the foreign trade policy, exporters are entitled to two key benefits: duty drawback and scrips. Duty drawback is directly credited to the exporter's account by the customs department once the goods are successfully exported through designated ports or depots. The second benefit, scrips, is provided by DGFT as an incentive for exporters, allowing exemption from import duties. "These scrips are issued only after the exporter receives payments and submits the necessary documents to an authorised dealer bank. Upon verification, the bank will issue a bank realisation certificate, which the exporter will present to DGFT to claim the benefits," police said. The investigation revealed that Singh, along with his father Surinder Singh and brother, owned five firms and managed the affairs of these companies with them. "They created forged FIRCs and obtained benefits of duty credit scrips worth Rs 30.47 crore and sold them in the open market," DCP (EOW) Vikram Porwal said. The remittance was shown to be received at a bank. They opened bank accounts in a private bank and processed the documents in conspiracy with bank employees. When the complaint was filed, they fled the country.
