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Bangladeshi chess player Ashiya Sultana faced deportation from India upon her arrival, preventing her participation in the 21st Delhi International Open Grandmasters Chess Tournament, scheduled from June 7th to 14th. Veteran Bangladeshi chess player Sayeda Jasimunnessa Khatun, widely known as Rani Hamid, had arrived in India earlier in June for the same tournament. However, their journey took an unexpected and distressing turn when Sultana was denied entry at New Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport.
According to Indian immigration authorities, the 37-year-old Sultana was on a blacklist issued by Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO) for an alleged violation of visa conditions during a previous visit. This prior visit involved her participation in a chess event in Kolkata while she was reportedly holding a medical visa. As a result, Sultana was detained overnight at the airport's immigration center, was not allowed access to her luggage, and was subsequently deported back to Bangladesh the following day. Now in a recent interaction with Times of India, the 80-year-old chess legend Rani Hamid has said that she is deeply troubled and emotionally affected by the turn of event.
"I am very sad. The person who accompanied me was not allowed entry and was made to sit at the immigration centre overnight. She had no access to her belongings and had to buy an expensive return ticket. My mind is disturbed, and I am unable to focus on the game," Rani Hamid told Time of India.
The incident has significantly impacted Rani Hamid, who appeared noticeably distressed. The emotional burden of the situation has taken a toll on her performance in the chess tournament. So far, after six rounds, she has managed only a single win and one draw, indicating the difficulty she has faced in maintaining her focus.
Hamid, who prefers not to travel alone due to her age, also voiced her concern regarding what she perceives as a lack of adequate communication or coordination between the relevant authorities in India and Bangladesh concerning such incidents.
"Her passport and documents were in order, yet she was blacklisted for participating in a tournament during a previous visit. She didn't even know it was a violation at the time. If she had been informed in advance, she would never have travelled. The Indian authorities should have alerted the Bangladesh Chess Federation," she added.
Hamid further recounted her efforts to appeal to the immigration officials, stating that she had pleaded with them to show leniency in Ashiya Sultana's case, hoping for a more compassionate resolution.
"I requested them: if you believe she violated the rules, then impose a fine, $100, $200, whatever, but let her stay and play for seven days. She is not a criminal. She hasn't committed any crime. She didn't kill, steal, or rob anyone. Her only offence is that she played chess," she concluded.
Despite the emotional hardship she has experienced, Hamid did express her gratitude for the support and hospitality extended by the organising committee of the Delhi Chess Association (DCA). The tournament is being held at The Tivoli, a resort located in Chhatarpur, Delhi, which also provides accommodation for international participants. This arrangement has proven particularly convenient for Hamid, as the playing hall is less than a five-minute walk from her room.
"It is very comfortable here. I can play only because of that comfort. I am very grateful to the organisers who sent tickets and invited us so warmly," she concluded.
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