1st Amaravati FIDE Rating Chess Tournament Concludes Successfully at VIT-AP University, Attracting 943 Players from Across India and Beyond
· Free Press Journal
The VIT-AP 1st Amaravati FIDE Rating Chess Tournament, jointly organized by VIT-AP University and the Andhra Chess Association, concluded successfully on June 8, 2026 evening, marking a significant milestone in the promotion of chess and intellectual sports in Andhra Pradesh.
The eight-day tournament commenced on June 1, 2026, and witnessed an overwhelming response from the chess fraternity across India and abroad. A total of 943 players participated in the event, representing 21 states and 2 countries. Among them were 669 internationally rated players and 76 titled players, including International Masters, Candidate Masters, FIDE Masters, and other distinguished competitors. The tournament also showcased remarkable inclusivity, with participants ranging from 4 years of age to seasoned chess veterans. Winners in different categories awarded with prize money and Trophy. A total cash prize to the tune of Rs.30 lakhs was rewarded to the winners of difference categories
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The championship attracted the attention of several eminent dignitaries and public representatives who visited the tournament during its course.
The inaugural ceremony on June 1, 2026, was graced by Harish Kumar Gupta, DGP and Head of Police Force, Ake Ravi Krishna, IG, Anti-Narcotics Cell, and Vakul Jindal, SP Guntur, who officially flagged off the tournament.
Subsequent visits included:
June 3, 2026: Hon'ble Minister for Sports, Youth Affairs and Transport, M. Ram Prasad Reddy
June 4, 2026: Chairman, Sports Authority of Andhra Pradesh, Ravi Naidu
June 5, 2026: Hon'ble Minister for BC Welfare, Handlooms and Textiles, Smt. S. Savitha, who also participated in a tree plantation drive on the occasion of World Environment Day; later in the day, Hon'ble Minister for Labour and Factories, Vasamsetty Subhash
June 6, 2026: Chairperson, AP Women's Commission, Smt. Rayapati Sailaja; Director, AIIMS Mangalagiri, Dr. Ahanthem Santa Singh; and Chief Engineer, APCRDA, M. Venkateswara Rao
June 7, 2026: Collector and District Magistrate, Guntur, C.M. Saikanth Varma
Dr. P. Arulmozhivarman, Vice Chancellor, VIT-AP University, who graced the concluding session as Chief Guest said, "We are delighted by the tremendous response received for the 1st Amaravati FIDE Rating Open Chess Tournament. Bringing together nearly a thousand players from across the country and beyond reflects the growing stature of VIT-AP as a hub for excellence in academics, sports, and holistic development. We remain committed to supporting initiatives that nurture talent, strategic thinking, and international sporting standards."
Dr. Jagadish Chandra, Registrar, VIT-AP University, Guest of Honour remarked: “The successful conduct of a tournament of this scale is a testament to the meticulous planning, teamwork, and dedication of our organizing committees, volunteers, faculty, staff, and partners. We are grateful to all participants, officials, and dignitaries whose presence and encouragement contributed to making this event a memorable success."
K.V.V. Sarma, Chairman, Andhra Chess Association, expressed his appreciation, stating: "The 1st Amaravati FIDE Rating Open Chess Tournament has set a new benchmark for chess events in Andhra Pradesh. The excellent infrastructure, hospitality, and organizational support provided by VIT-AP University have created an outstanding competitive environment for players. We look forward to strengthening this partnership and making Amaravati a prominent destination on India's chess calendar."
The tournament not only provided a valuable platform for aspiring and professional chess players to earn FIDE rating points but also reinforced Amaravati's emergence as an important centre for sporting excellence and intellectual competition.
Dr. Suresh, President, Andhra Chess Association, said:"The remarkable participation from across India and abroad reflects the growing popularity of chess and the trust the chess community has placed in this tournament. We are grateful to VIT-AP University for partnering with us to deliver an event of such high standards. This tournament has provided an excellent platform for players of all ages to compete, learn, and progress in their chess journey."
Also present on the occasion were Dr. Khadeer Pasha, Deputy Director – Student Welfare, VIT-AP University Dr.N.Ramachandra Rao –Director Physical Education Mr. Jagadish, Secretary, Andhra Chess Association.