The first-ever Asian Inmate Chess Championship, a virtual competition run by the International Chess Federation ( FIDE ), was won by a team of inmates from Dubai Police’s Correctional and Penal Institutions. The step highlights the revolutionary power of games as a form of treatment and reintegration. 23 groups from eight different nations from eight different countries came together for the game. Dubai’s eight-member team, which represented the UAE, was chosen after a rigorous inside qualifying process involving 40 prisoners. The Dubai Chess and Culture Club, which provided proper instruction and coaching throughout the selection process, collaborated with the organization to carry out the variety and education. The group placed fifth overall in the last sessions, demonstrating a high level of preparation and proper acumen. The result reflects the regularity and target shown by the participants throughout the opposition,” Dubai Police said in a declaration.
Chess as a form of recovery
Lt. The Dubai Police’s Inmate Education and Training Department’s Director, Colonel Muhammad Al Obaidli, described the program as more than just a competition. He said,” This isn’t just about winning games; it’s about recovering focus, discipline, and self-belief,” highlighting the restorative function of game in prison programs. The phrase” game is a device for treatment,” as stated by Brigadier Salah BuOsaibah, “helps individuals develop critical thinking and a sense of purpose” is a part of a wider custodial method that was initiated under Major General Marwan Abdul Karim Julfar’s orders. It aims to give inmates the cognitive, emotional, and behavioral skills needed for a successful reintegration into society.
Next step: Defending world champions
The team is gearing up for the fifth Inmate Chess World Cup, which is scheduled for October. Dubai Police will compete in front of other nations as defending champions and participants. At the Inmate Chess World Cup, which was held by the Cook County Office in Chicago earlier this year, the Dubai inmates ‘ team won a historic victory by defeating 115 teams from 51 nations. According to Lieutenant Colonel Al Obaidli, preparations are already in progress for the fifth Inmate Chess World Cup, in which Dubai Police will take the title of previous year.
