The 1st Asian Pacific Single Deaf Chess competition began from today (Wednesday) at the local hotel in the city. State Minister of Ministry of Disaster Management and Relief Md. Mohibbur Rahman, MP, formally inaugurated the six-day meet as the chief guest, presided over by Mohammad Khairul Bashar, chairman of the first Asian Pacific Singles Deaf Chess Competition. Speaking as the chief guest on the occasion, the state minister said the Prime Minister has taken up special schemes for the welfare and upliftment of the backward disabled community. The State Minister said disability allowance given by the government has strengthened their family and social position. He said construction of sports complex is in progress for healthy sports practices of the disabled players. A total of 39 deaf chess players from six countries -- India, Indonesia, Mongolia, Kyrgyzstan , Kazakhstan and host Bangladesh -- are taking part in the meet, organised by Bangladesh Deaf Sports Federation (BDSF) Fortune Group chairman an d sports organiser Khobir Uddin and BDSF general secretary Ghazi Quamrul Hasan were also present in the inauguration ceremony. Source: Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha