Eastern Kurdistan hosted a draughts tournament attracting over 50 competitors from Sanandaj and Urmia provinces, marking efforts to preserve traditional board game culture against digital entertainment pressures. The Bokan event featured timed matches using international standards, with organizers planning a global championship before the Newroz festival to engage younger generations with the strategic pastime.
Veteran participants Hussein Khalidi and Abubakr Sham, who have played for 33 and 22 years respectively, emphasized the game's competitive legitimacy beyond casual teahouse settings. Director Luqman Shahabi outlined ambitions to formalize the activity, while winner Nasser Shiri called for government recognition and dedicated facilities similar to chess infrastructure, noting the sport lacks official status and funding despite widespread popularity across Kurdish communities.
Veteran participants Hussein Khalidi and Abubakr Sham, who have played for 33 and 22 years respectively, emphasized the game's competitive legitimacy beyond casual teahouse settings. Director Luqman Shahabi outlined ambitions to formalize the activity, while winner Nasser Shiri called for government recognition and dedicated facilities similar to chess infrastructure, noting the sport lacks official status and funding despite widespread popularity across Kurdish communities.
