Sri Vijaya Puram, July 13: The much-awaited Smart Girls (Under-19) Chess Tournament – 2025 was inaugurated today at the auditorium of Govt. Girls Sr. Sec. School, Sri Vijaya Puram. This unique event is being organized by the Directorate of Education, in collaboration with the Social Welfare Department and the Andaman Nicobar Chess Association (ANCA), under the flagship national initiative “Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao.”
The two-day tournament has received an overwhelming response, with over 200 girl players from across the islands participating, making it one of the largest all-girls chess events in the islands.
Shri Arjun Sharma, IAS, Deputy Commissioner, South Andaman District, graced the occasion as the Chief Guest and made the ceremonial first move against WCM R. Kashthuri Bhai, Asian Schools Silver Medalist, marking the official commencement of the tournament in the presence of Shri Vikram Singh, Director (Education/Sports), A&N Administration.
In a special gesture, the Chief Guest also felicitated WCM R. Kashthuri Bhai for her remarkable achievement of securing the Woman Candidate Master (WCM) title by crossing the 2000 FIDE rating mark, commending her dedication and contribution to the sport.
In his address, Shri Arjun Sharma emphasized the importance of empowering girls by supporting their interests and talents, particularly in intellectual and competitive fields like chess. He encouraged parents to recognize their children’s inclinations and provide them with the guidance and support needed to grow with confidence.
The tournament is being conducted in a nine-round Rapid format and aims to promote chess among young girls, offering them a platform to display their strategic thinking and mental discipline. On the first day, six rounds will be played, followed by the remaining three rounds and the prize distribution ceremony on the final day.