Chess Prodigies Converge at 38th National U-11 Championship

The 38th National Under-11 Chess Championship commenced in Jalgaon, spotlighting India's chess talent. Over 550 participants from diverse regions will compete, attracting significant attention from the sports community. The event underlines the government's commitment to nurturing young athletes through initiatives like 'Khelo India'.

Devdiscourse News Desk | Updated: 02-08-2025 21:11 IST | Created: 02-08-2025 21:11 IST

Chess Prodigies Converge at 38th National U-11 Championship — Union Minister Raksha Khadse inaugurating 38th National Under-11 Championship (Image: SAI media). Image Credit: ANI

Country:
India

The scenic Anubhooti Mandap in Jain Hills, Jalgaon, served as the backdrop for the grand opening of the 38th National Under-11 Chess Championship. This pivotal event, crucial for shaping India's young chess prodigies, was inaugurated by Union Minister of State for Youth Affairs and Sports, Raksha Khadse.

Esteemed figures such as Smita Wagh, Member of Parliament, Ashok Jain, Chairman of Jain Irrigation, and Siddharth Mayur, Executive President of the Maharashtra Chess Association, among others, lent prestige to the ceremony. The opening drew parallels to Divya Deshmukh's stunning success at the FIDE Women's World Cup, highlighting the potential embedded within India's youth chess scene.

Attracting over 550 young competitors, including nearly 400 with official FIDE ratings, the championship welcomes talents from across India. Running in the Swiss League format over 11 rounds, the event offers a platform for players like Advik Agrawal and Devi Bijesh to enhance their international rankings. The collective efforts of various organizations, led by Jain Irrigation, underpin the event, with a prize fund of Rs 8 Lakhs rewarding excellence.

(With inputs from agencies.)