Chess Grandmaster Ziaur Rahman has died while competing in the national chess championship in Dhaka on Friday, the Bangladesh Chess Federation announced. He was 50.

Rahman was a 15-time national champion and an eminent figure in the chess world. He suffered a heart attack during a game against Enamul Hossain Rajib in the 12th round. Rahman collapsed and was immediately taken to Ibrahim Cardiac Hospital, where he was pronounced dead at 7 pm local time.

He was on an undefeated 8/11 behind FM Reja Neer Manon in the event, with an excellent chance to take his 16th title. At the time of writing, the result of the game against Hossain has not been updated.

“It was my move. So, when he was falling down, I thought he was leaning down to pick up a water bottle. But then he collapsed, and we rushed him to the hospital. His son was playing at the next table,” Hossain told reporters, adding that it took them a few seconds to realise that Rahman had suffered a massive stroke.

His son, Tahsin Tajwar Zia, who is also participating in the same tournament, was present in the hall at the time of the incident.

Rahman achieved the International Master title in 1993 and became a Grandmaster in 2002. He represented Bangladesh 17 times in the Chess Olympiad, setting a record in 2022 when he and his son became the first father-son duo to play for the national team.

In 2005, he attained a rating of 2570, the highest for a Bangladeshi player. Rahman was also notable for drawing a game against a young Magnus Carlsen in 2008.

The chess community has expressed profound grief over his sudden demise. Nitin Narang, President of the All-India Chess Federation, conveyed his condolences on social media, highlighting Rahman’s frequent participation in Indian tournaments.

“Deeply saddened by the news of Bangladeshi Grandmaster Ziaur Rahman’s sudden passing during the Bangladesh National Chess Championship.

“He was a well-respected and frequent competitor in Indian tournaments. Our heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, and the entire community in Bangladesh,” he said.