School students in Hyderabad battled it out on the chessboard 

For chess lovers in Hyderabad, all roads led to Muffakham Jah College of Engineering and Technology for the state-level chess tournament organised by The New Indian Express Group on November 24. Under-9, u-11, u-13 and u-15 were the four categories that the tournament was organised in and in each category, three prizes were given. Rs 5,000, Rs 3,000 and Rs 2,000 was awarded to students who came first, second and third respectively. Totally, 265 students took part in the exam.  

Rows of tables with two chessboards each were kept ready for participants, who came from schools all over the city. As many 20 students were from Yadadri Bhuvanagiri district, 14 had come from Karimnagar, and four students were from Nalgonda. The tournament offered children a chance to match their skills against players from the different districts who were participating. As the kids immersed themselves in the game, the arbiters got busy in addressing any foul play by the players. Sriram R was the chief arbiter for the event. The competition, which had five rounds, ended with KS Prasad, Secretary, Telangana State Chess Association, distributing the prizes.

11-year-old Nikhileswar, from Kendriya Vidyalaya Golkonda - II, said: “This is the first time I am playing in a tournament. My father taught me how to play. I think my opponent is a good player, but he is not concentrating on my moves.” His sister, 13-year-old Charushree, who was part of the tournament, said that she had played at the national level.

Lalitha, who had brought both her children to play, felt that the event was well-organised and more such opportunities should be provided to children.

Ramarajasekhara Reddi, Director of Unique Champs Chess Association, who had brought 17 players from his academy, said: “The interest in chess is increasing among children in the city as it helps them to improve their concentration skills. This helps in their studies too.”

KS Prasad, who handed over trophies and cheques to the winners, said: “Parents are very keen that their children play chess as it helps them focus.”