Pursuant to the discussion with OCM a few months ago, the Malaysian Chess Federation will start its Training Program for Juniors to be organized between 10th November and 27th December 2020. The six weeks program aims to prepare our youngsters for next years Chess Squad to the Hanoi SEA Games which has been scheduled for November 2021.

In view of IM Yeoh Li Tian’s excellent performance to bag Malaysia’s first Chess Gold Medal at last year’s Manila SEA Games, MCF aspires to repeat the same feat by preparing a younger squad to help boost our chances not only for Hanoi SEA Games, but also for future SEA Games and other Regional and International FIDE events. Those selected for this Training Program will definitely have a great advantage to be selected as Malaysia’s representatives, training and playing alongside Malaysia’s chess hero – IM Yeoh Li Tian, at the regional sports festival.

Applications are open to all Junior players below the age of 20 (born after 1999) with a minimum FIDE Rating of 1800 (for Boys) and 1600 (for Girls) – either Standard, Rapid or Blitz Rating. Junior players who are interested to apply for the National Training Program are required to fill up the following form by CLICKING HERE, and include a RM50 proof of payment as MCF processing fees (PERSEKUTUAN CATUR MALAYSIA – CIMB 8000649725). Players are also reminded that they are required to provide at least 5 of the their best games to support their application for the program. The 5 games submitted will be evaluated by the Selection Committee to understand player’s depth and understanding in their chess playing skill. Personal annotated games are encouraged to understand player’s self evaluation for improvement and thinking process flow.

Only 8 players will be selected for the program including a few Junior players who will be invited to join the program. Players who are successfully selected by the Selection Committee will be trained by local National Coaches over a period of 6 weeks – mostly via online, including a few face to face sessions to be conducted in Kuala Lumpur (pending CMCO situation). Successful players attending the program will also receive training allowances for attending the Training Program and will be MCF preferred choice to represent the country at National, Regional and International events for both Online and Over-The-Board events.

Closing date to apply for the program is 5th November 2020 and successful candidates will be notified by the MCF Selection Committee and MCF Technical Committee by 9th November 2020. Training will commence from 10th November 2020 and players who are selected are required to adhere to the Training Program or face disciplinary action should they failed to comply to the requirements or drop out during the course of the training.

Come and apply to be part of this exciting National Training Program!