Sri Vijaya Puram, Aug 14: The prestigious A & N State Chess Championship 2025 commenced this evening at the Marine Hall, Sri Vijaya Puram, with Ms. Jyoti Kumari, IAS, Secretary (IP&T), A & N Administration, gracing the occasion as the Chief Guest for the inaugural ceremony.
The chief guest declared the championship open by making the ceremonial first move on the giant chessboard, marking the official start of the event. In her address, she praised ANCA’s efforts in promoting chess, expressed her happiness at seeing so many young children participating and encouraged them to give their best. She highlighted that chess fosters intellect, patience, discipline, strategic thinking, and respect for opponents—qualities valuable both in competition and in life—and extended her best wishes to all participants.
Around 270 players from across the islands competing for top honours in this prestigious championship, which is being conducted in the Classical format with a time control of 30 minutes plus a 30-second increment per move. The event will span three days, comprising nine rounds, and the top four players will be selected to represent the Andaman & Nicobar Islands at the 62nd National Chess Championship 2025 in Andhra Pradesh next month.