The inaugural Amaravati FIDE Rating Chess Tournament, jointly organised by VIT-AP University and the Andhra Chess Association, concluded on Monday (June 8, 2026). The eight-day tournament saw the participation of 943 players representing 21 Indian States and two foreign countries.
The event featured 669 internationally rated players and 76 titled competitors, including International Masters, FIDE Masters and Candidate Masters.
The organisers focused on inclusivity, bringing together participants ranging from four-year-old children to experienced veteran players. Winners across various categories were awarded trophies and a total prize purse of ₹30 lakh.
The tournament was inaugurated by Director General of Police Harish Kumar Gupta, IG (Anti-Narcotics Cell) Ake Ravi Krishna and Guntur Superintendent of Police Vakul Jindal.
Several prominent dignitaries visited the event during the week, including Sports Minister M. Ramprasad Reddy, Sports Authority of Andhra Pradesh Chairman Ravi Naidu, BC Welfare Minister S. Savitha, Labour Minister Vasamsetty Subhash, A.P. Women’s Commission Chairperson Rayapati Sailaja, AIIMS Mangalagiri Director Dr. Ahanthem Santa Singh, APCRDA Chief Engineer M. Venkateswara Rao and Guntur Collector C.M. Saikanth Varma.
Addressing the valedictory, VIT-AP Vice-Chancellor P. Arulmozhivarman said that the tournament reflected the university’s commitment to promoting excellence in sports, academics and holistic development.
Registrar Dr. Jagadish Chandra credited the success of the event to the coordinated efforts of organisers, volunteers, faculty and staff.
Andhra Chess Association Chairman K.V.V. Sarma praised VIT-AP’s infrastructure and hospitality. Association president Suresh noted that the strong participation from across the country highlighted the growing popularity of chess.
Published - June 10, 2026 12:05 pm IST
Source: The Hindu - India News
