
New Delhi, May 18: Bharat Singh Chouhan will continue as the Chairman of the Commonwealth Chess Association. He was re-elected unanimously for the term 2026–2030 during the Association’s annual general meeting held in Wasakaduwa, Sri Lanka.
The meeting, which took place at the Citrus Hotel on Sunday, also confirmed the reappointment of several key officials and executive members. A significant new initiative was launched to enhance youth participation in chess. Akhramsyah Muammar Ubaid Sanucci was elected as Deputy Chairman without opposition, while G. Laxman Vijesuriya will remain as General Secretary. Vicky Magu was chosen as Treasurer. The newly elected executive panel includes Hurreenarayan Bhavani from Mauritius, Alan Herbert from Barbados, Benard Wanjala from Kenya, Craig Hall from New Zealand, and Creation Tornaritis from Cyprus.
The election process was overseen by retired High Court Judge Santiago Pushpa Kumara Ekaratne, who served as the returning officer. Chouhan’s reappointment further extends his nearly five-decade leadership journey in the chess world, where he has played a crucial role in promoting and developing the sport across Commonwealth nations.
In an official statement following the elections, the Association praised his ongoing impact on the expansion of the sport. The Commonwealth Chess Association stated, “Bharat Singh Chouhan’s re-election reflects the trust and confidence in his visionary leadership and long-standing commitment to strengthening and promoting chess in Commonwealth countries.”
During the AGM, a major announcement was made regarding grassroots chess development, confirming the launch of the Commonwealth School Chess Championship. The inaugural tournament is set to take place in Malaysia in October 2026.
Meanwhile, the return of Vijesuriya as General Secretary is seen as recognition of his administrative role in the organization’s operations and long-term planning. His re-election is also considered evidence of his excellent administrative skills and valuable contributions to the effective functioning and continuous progress of the Commonwealth Chess Association.



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