Sri Vijaya Puram, April 26: Chess Mahasangram 2.0, the biggest chess tournament of the year, began at Netaji Stadium under floodlights on 25.04.2026. The Andaman–Nicobar Chess Mahasangram 2.0 is being organized by the Department of Education and the Department of Sports & Youth Affairs, A&N Administration, in collaboration with the Andaman Nicobar Chess Association (ANCA).
Around 800 participants, ranging in age from 5 to over 60 years, are competing in the tournament with great enthusiasm.
Dr. Chandra Bhushan Kumar, IAS, Chief Secretary of the Andaman & Nicobar Administration, inaugurated the event by making the ceremonial first move against Shri P. Tata Rao, the top seed of the tournament in presence sr. officials of A & N administration. He also walked through the playing area, closely observing the ongoing matches and taking a keen interest in the players’ performances.
Addressing the gathering, worthy Chief Secretary expressed his delight at the recent surge in sporting activities across the islands. He noted that a T20 cricket tournament and a state-level football tournament for the Pre-Subroto Cup had been organized recently, followed now by Chess Mahasangram 2.0, an open rapid-format chess tournament being conducted over two days.
He emphasized that although chess may appear to be a sedentary game, it is fundamentally a mental sport that enhances cognitive abilities and strategic thinking. He also expressed pride in the achievements of island players who have secured commendable FIDE ratings and performed well at the National School Chess Championship in Guwahati.
Dr. Chandra Bhushan Kumar, the chief secretary extended his best wishes to all participants and organizers for the success of the event.