(Sports News) Leading the star-studded lineup of the Balan Alaskan Knights in the inaugural Global Chess League is none other than Ian Nepomniachtchi, the finalist of the 2023 FIDE World Championship. Joining him are renowned players such as Tan Zhongyi from China, the reigning women’s world rapid champion, and Nodirbek Abdusattorov, the sensational teenage player from Uzbekistan.
Proudly owned by the Punit Balan Group (PBG), the Balan Alaskan Knights is one of the six franchises competing in this historic milestone, taking place at the Dubai Chess and Culture Club from June 21 to July 2. Punit Balan, the Chairman and Managing Director of PBG, expressed confidence in the team’s potential, emphasizing their blend of youth and experience that has already demonstrated their prowess on the international stage. With such a formidable lineup, they aim to achieve new heights and leave their mark in the league.
Ian Nepomniachtchi, a 32-year-old Russian player currently ranked fourth in the world, leads the team alongside Teimour Radjabov from Azerbaijan, an experienced campaigner who secured the bronze medal at the 2004 World Championship. They are accompanied by the 18-year-old prodigy Abdusattorov, who made history as the youngest-ever winner of the World Rapid Chess Championship in 2021 and defeated Magnus Carlsen to claim the 2021 Championship.
The squad also includes the talented Indian chess prodigy Raunak Sadhwani, who at the age of 17 will have the opportunity to showcase his skills alongside some of the biggest names in the chess world. Sadhwani expressed his excitement and eagerness to contribute to the team’s success and learn from his esteemed teammates.
The Balan Alaskan Knights squad is completed by Tan Zhongyi from China, a former women’s world champion, and Nino Batsiashvili, a 36-year-old Georgian grandmaster who secured an individual gold at the 44th Chess Olympiad for her performance on board 2 in the women’s section.
The Punit Balan Group has been actively investing in promoting and encouraging sports in India, owning franchises in various leagues and providing sports scholarships to talented athletes. Their involvement in the Global Chess League aligns with their commitment to fostering the growth of sports in India.
The squad for the Balan Alaskan Knights consists of Ian Nepomniachtchi (Russia), Nodirbek Abdusattorov (Uzbekistan), Teimour Radjabov (Azerbaijan), Raunak Sadhwani (India), Tan Zhongyi (China), and Nino Batsiashvili (Georgia).
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