Vajraksh Teja , a 9-year-old boy, has become the U11 NTR District champion for the year 2023. He remained undefeated in the championship with a perfect score of 5/5 points. Despite being in the lower age group category of U9, he performed exceptionally well in the higher group of U11 and emerged victorious. Winning a title in the NTR district, which is a chess hub of South India and has produced many chess masters, is no easy feat. More than 30 age group U11 players participated in this event. It is noteworthy that Vajraksh started playing chess recently and has not participated in any major events before. According to the organizer Mr. Rajeev Mandula, the district secretary, Vajraksh is a decent player and doesn't worry much about the results in local tournaments except giving his best performance. He had previously secured the 3rd position in the U9 district and his performance in the U11 district was excellent. He defeated high-standard players to represent the NTR district in the U11 state meet, scheduled to be held in Srikakulam. As chess is growing in Andhra Pradesh, no seeded player is confident and each round is tough for the professional students in age groups. This year, the All India Chess Federation has allotted the U11 Nationals to AP, and Vajraksh is likely to represent the state. He is currently studying in the 4th standard at Scotpine International School. We wish him all the best for his future endeavors.
It is also worth mentioning that all age groups above U13 have been converted to FIDE-rated this year, and upcoming age-group chess players will get exposed to national and international circuits. In view of the state meets, district selections are held during February and March. Some of the CBS students faced difficulties as their exams were in progress, but the majority of students are in state government schools, and the state exams are scheduled from the last week of March to April and hence ACA has left that period free. State championships begin from May onwards, and between there are national age group championships leaving no time to go for district meets at a stretch. If the majority of selections are over, the leftover can be organized in between. We regret for inconvenience caused to CBS students.
I would like to express my appreciation to the EC members and organizers in Andhra Pradesh for introducing a new pattern of 4-day events for state championships in classical FIDE format. The decision to convert all events to FIDE rated is also commendable. Even organizing a 2-day tournament can be challenging due to the logistics involved in finding suitable venues, providing sitting areas, hygienic restrooms, infrastructure, and more. Despite these challenges, ACA and all state organizers have chosen to opt for the 4-day classical format, considering the professional growth of age group players. Additionally, age groups have been allocated to various regions in Andhra Pradesh, from Srikakulam to Annamayya districts, with boys and girls separated to allow girl participants to compete in the respective age group category for boys (open). This gives girl AP players the opportunity to participate as well. Playing in the FIDE classical format can be challenging for middle and lower-income category players. Therefore, the current state FIDE format will ease things for those segments. With events organized within 50 km distance for all district head quarters, each AP player can participate in up to 3 FIDE events during the year, reducing the logistical and financial burden on parents as he/she can participate without accommodation burden.
Many players and organizers are not taking advantage of the advanced features provided by apchess.org, which can lead to issues such as duplicate registrations and last-minute entries accepted at the organizer's discretion. ACA aims to set standards for professional growth, and discipline is a vital factor for both players and organizers. As we are in transition to a more digital mode, we kindly request the assistance of knowledgeable parents in helping organizers with this transformation.
In 2022, the Andhra Chess Association (ACA) trained over 60 senior national arbiters who have now spread throughout the districts of Andhra Pradesh. Additionally, the ACA has introduced the CIS Trainer program, and the second batch is currently underway. The ACA is also in the process of developing the CHADARANGA BHARATHI program to provide chess education to all government school children in order to improve their academic growth, with hopes of launching it in 2023.
Moreover, the ACA is discussing plans to provide basic and professional coaching online for a nominal fee. The development of chess at the grassroots level requires voluntary support from the chess fraternity, whether it be through knowledge sharing or providing resources. We appeal to all to extend your kind cooperation by sponsoring big events in your areas or providing venues to your district's affiliated chess units for the professional growth of our students.
For contact details of your district units, please refer to the respective district pages. For further information on advanced programs or major international events, please contact the ACA Secretary, Sri Bheemarao, or myself.
Best wishes,
KVV Sarma
President, Andhra Chess Association
9346962633,9912177333.