Exclusive Interview with Bangladesh’s Youngest International Master, Manon Reja Neer

15-year-old Manon Reja Neer has been making waves in the Bangladeshi chess scene in 2024, standing out as the country’s youngest International Master. In an exclusive interview with The Daily Star, Neer reflects on his stellar year, challenges faced, and future aspirations.

Neer describes 2024 as his best year yet, achieving the IM title and winning the National Chess Championship. He highlights the significant improvement in his rating points, crossing 2400 and securing all three norms required for the IM title.

Despite playing in 18 FIDE-recognised tournaments and nearly 200 matches, Neer expresses satisfaction with the opportunities available to him. He believes that participating in a sufficient number of tournaments is crucial for creating opportunities and achieving goals.

Reflecting on his gameplay, Neer acknowledges mental pressure as a weakness, citing instances where he missed out on GM norms due to nerves. However, he remains confident in his abilities and aims to improve in this aspect.

Neer recalls memorable victories against Grandmasters, including a notable win against Israel’s Ido Gorshtein. He believes in his potential to achieve good results against any opponent with strong performance.

When asked about the overall condition of chess in Bangladesh, Neer admits to being unaware of the local scene, focusing on his international competitions. He acknowledges the lack of notable achievements besides his own IM title.

Despite facing disappointments, such as missing out on GM norms and the departure of GM Ziaur Rahman, Neer remains determined and hopeful for the future. He expresses a lack of faith in committees but hopes for support and opportunities for promising players.

Looking ahead to 2025, Neer sets no specific targets but aims to give his best performance throughout the year. He believes that with dedication and support, he can achieve significant milestones in his chess career.

Reflecting on Indian GM Gukesh Dommaraju’s success, Neer acknowledges the support for chess in India and expresses a desire for similar opportunities. He believes that with financial support and sponsorships, he can aim for similar achievements.

As Neer competes in the World Rapid and Blitz Championships in New York, his only expectation is to perform well. With determination and talent, he continues to make strides in the world of chess, representing Bangladesh on the international stage.