Abd Hamid Becomes First Malaysian Arbiter At World Chess Championship

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 27 (Bernama) – “Success doesn’t come rolling your way; it must be earned.”

This proverb aptly describes the journey of Abd Hamid Abd Majid, who transitioned from being a chess player to an International Arbiter (IA) to continue contributing to the sport he has cherished since his youth.

Although Abd Hamid, now in his 70s, never had the opportunity to bring glory to Malaysia as a player, he takes pride in representing the nation as a "small icon" in the global chess arena.

Recently, Abd Hamid made history as the first Malaysian arbiter appointed to officiate at the World Chess Championship, currently underway in Singapore from Nov 25 to Dec 15.

“As a chess enthusiast, I’m not an excellent player. But I want to contribute something to chess—that’s why I became an arbiter,” he said when contacted by Bernama.

Abd Hamid recalled his first assignment as an arbiter in 1992 at a championship held in Novi Sad, Yugoslavia, and expressed pride in becoming the first Malaysian to serve as an arbiter at the World Championship.

Reflecting on the role of a chess arbiter, Abd Hamid acknowledged it is no easy career, requiring vast knowledge and experience to fairly adjudicate matches.

According to him, achieving the status of an international arbiter is no small feat.

“Not everyone can become an international arbiter. They need proper knowledge, attitude, and talent, but if they work and put in enough effort, they can reach that level,” he said.
-- BERNAMA