The SRR International Open and Blitz Rating Chess Tournament 2025 was inaugurated with great fanfare at PB Sidhartha College in Vijayawada. The ceremony was graced by the esteemed presence of Shri Ravi Naidu Garu, Chairman of Sports, Andhra Pradesh. As the chief guest, Shri Naidu Garu emphasized the growing popularity of chess in Andhra Pradesh, attributing it to the support of the Chief Minister, Shri Nara Chandrababu Naidu Garu.
Shri Naidu Garu highlighted the state's commitment to promoting sports, particularly chess, by recognizing it as a valuable discipline that can benefit students in various ways. He shared a personal anecdote about his son's enthusiasm for chess, noting how the game has improved his critical thinking and problem-solving skills. The Chairman also announced plans to introduce chess as a curriculum in government schools, aiming to motivate students and enhance their academic performance.
The event was also attended by Mr. Srinivasa Raju Garu, chairman SLV builders and developments pvt ltd., prominent sponsor who has been supporting chess activities in and around Vijayawada. Mr. Raju Garu expressed his admiration for the tournament's organization and the participants' dedication to the game. He pledged his support to PB Sidhartha College for modernisation of the auditorium.
Other dignitaries present at the ceremony included Ch Krishna Rao Garu, Vice President of PB Sidhartha College; Shri Lalitha Prasad garu, Joint Secretary of the college; and Shri A Suresh Garu, President of the Andhra Chess Association, sri KVV Sharma Garu, chief advisor of ACA, sri Murali, Director, SAAP, Tournament director, smt P Renuka, Secretary NTR district, sri M Rajeev, Sri Akbar Pasha, president NTR district, and chief arbiter, sri NM Phanikumar, also played key roles in ensuring the event's success.
As Shri Ravi Naidu Garu formally inaugurated the tournament, he activated the live boards, a first-of-its-kind initiative in Andhra Pradesh. The SRR International Open and Blitz Rating Chess Tournament 2025 promises to be an exciting event, showcasing the talents of over 400 participants, including more than 200 rated players from six international federations, 12 states and 420 districts.
The story of this tournament is a testament to the power of chess to bring people together and inspire young minds. As the players compete with passion and dedication, the future of chess in Andhra Pradesh looks brighter than ever.