New Delhi, June 15: The prestigious 21st Delhi International Open Chess Tournament 2025 concluded yesterday evening at Tivoli Gardens, New Delhi, with over 2,500 players from around 20 countries competing across multiple rating categories. The event witnessed intense competition and was one of the largest open chess tournaments in Asia this year.
Around 15 young players from the Andaman & Nicobar Islands took part in this prestigious event and made a strong impression with notable performances in both the Category A and C events. In the Category C event (for players rated below 1700), Shrestha Vijay D, a young and promising talent from the islands, showcased his skills and secured 2nd position in the ‘Best Player from North East & Andaman’ category, earning a cash prize of ₹15,000.
Meanwhile, in the elite Category A (Grandmaster section), R. Kashthuri Bhai, a rising chess prodigy from the islands, delivered an exceptional performance, gaining over 50 Elo rating points and crossing a live FIDE rating of 2000. With this, she becomes eligible for the Woman Candidate Master (WCM) title, which she is set to receive officially next month. This over-the-board title marks a historic moment, as she becomes the first female player from Andaman & Nicobar Islands to cross 2000 live rating, and the first-ever from the territory to achieve a FIDE Player title.
The Andaman & Nicobar Chess Association (ANCA) congratulates all the participating players and especially celebrates the outstanding achievements of Shrestha Vijay D and R. Kashthuri Bhai for their dedication and performance on the national stage. Their success is a significant boost for the growing chess culture in the islands.