International Master Mr. D.B.S. Prasad from Guntur District emerged as the champion of the 1st Konaseema State Open Chess Tournament. Mr. M. Ajay, a FIDE Master from Amalapuram (Konaseema District), secured the runner-up position, while Mr. Sai Baswant from Eluru claimed the second runner-up spot.
The 1st Konaseema State Open Chess Tournament, offering a prize fund of ₹5 lakhs, successfully concluded on November 10, 2024. A total of 206 participants from 20 districts across Andhra Pradesh took part in this mega chess event, setting a new benchmark for chess tournaments in the state.
The tournament was organized by Sahith Chess Academy, Amalapuram, in association with the Konaseema District Chess Association. Mr. K. Jagadish, the Tournament Director and President of the Konaseema District Chess Association, as well as Secretary of the Andhra Chess Association, ensured the event adhered to national standards. The choice of venue further elevated the event’s stature, setting a new standard for chess tournaments in Andhra Pradesh.
The Hon’ble Member of Parliament, Sri Ganti Harish Madhur, graced the prize distribution ceremony as the Chief Guest. He distributed the prize money of ₹5,00,000 along with medals and mementos to the winners in various categories. Hon'ble MP Sri Harish Garu was impressed by the systematic organization of the event and pledged to continue supporting the tournament in Konaseema annually. He also announced plans to advocate for the construction of an indoor sports complex in Amalapuram, which would facilitate the hosting of national-level events for sports like chess, basketball, and volleyball.
MP Sri Harish Garu encouraged the organizers to conduct regular monthly tournaments to raise awareness about chess in Konaseema. He emphasized that introducing chess to elementary school children could enhance their interpersonal skills, logical thinking, and problem-solving abilities, ultimately benefiting their academic performance and personal development.
During the opening ceremony held early in the morning, MLA Sri Ananda Rao Garu and Senior Politician Sri Metla Ramanababu inaugurated the tournament by making the first move. Special thanks were extended to the KIMS Management for providing an excellent venue for the tournament.
A notable highlight was the complimentary high-quality traditional lunch provided by Sahith Chess Academy to all players and parents, which received widespread appreciation
The Tournament Convenor of Andhra Chess Association, Sri N.M. Phanikumar, managed all technical aspects of the event. Dignitaries in attendance included Sri K.V.V. Sarma, Chairman of ACA, Sri K.V. Jwalamukhi, CEO of ACA, Sri G. Rama Subbareddy, Organizing Secretary of ACA, and Sri Mandula Rajeev, Joint Secretary of ACA. Mr. G.V. Kumar, International Arbiter, served as the Chief Arbiter for the tournament.
The reception and catering arrangements, led by Sri K. Brahmanandam, Director of Sahith Chess Academy, were highly praised by participants and guests alike. Mr. T.V. Suresh Kumar, Secretary of the Konaseema District Chess Association, along with Mr. Murali and other office bearers of KDCA, contributed significantly to the event’s success.
Overall, the 1st Konaseema State Open Chess Tournament was a resounding success, establishing a new milestone for chess events in the region.