Director General Department of Youth Services and Sports (DYSS), Anuradha Gupta today declared open the 36th National Under-17 Open and Girls Chess Championships in the sprawling banquet of the Kangra Fort in the city outskirts, here.
Organised by the AllJ&K Chess Association (AJKCA) under the aegis of All India Chess Federation(AICF), the event shall last for nine days to be concluded on October 10 with the valedictory function.
Around 286 participants, representing 30 states and Union Territories of the country are participating in this mega event which included 220 FIDE rated players and two International Masters (IMs).
A team of around 15 Arbiters has been engaged by the organizers for the smooth and successful conduct of the National event, which carries cash prizes worth Rs nine lakhs besides the title trophies.
In her inaugural address, the visionary DG DYSS, Anuradha Gupta assured the chess fraternity that the department was considering it seriously to introduce chess in J&K schools.
“I’m quite impressed with the game of Chess, because the sport has got the scope and potential to overall development of a school going child. Since the game involves minimal infrastructure and financial implications, the Chess in School would soon be dream come true in J&K,” said the DG DYSS.
She assured the AJKCA that efforts would be made to take chess to every school and encourage the youngsters to practice and excel. The DG DYSS declared the event open in full view of the participants, their parents and the organizing team by a ceremonial move on the Chess board with Meenal Gupta.
Earlier, president of the AJKCA and organizing secretary of the championship, Meenal Gupta in her welcome address said, “Top three seeded players each in boys and girls categories from this championship will qualify for World, Asian and Commonwealth events fully sponsored by Sports Authority of India (SAI). Besides, the AICF will provide scholarships ranging from Rs five lakh and Rs 10 lakh to the players to augment their efforts,” said president of AJKCA, Meenal Gupta in here welcome address.
“Record 38 players representing host J&K in this championship, which speaks lauder about the progress and development of the game of chess in the region. Such an event provides a big opportunity and platform for local players and Arbiters,” mentioned Atul Kumar Gupta, Chairman Planning and Development Commission, AICF.
Both Meenal and Atul Gupta expressed their thanks to the chief guest for the encouragement and support as also her tireless efforts to develop sports culture among the school going children.
Among other prominent present were former AJKCA president, Baldev Raj Gupta and coordinator of the event, Arvindu Sharma.
=====