Tata Steel Hosts 4th All India Specially Abled Chess Tournament

68 players nationwide compete in Jamshedpur for Rs. 3,17,000 prize pool

Jamshedpur welcomes top specially abled chess talents for a 9-round competition, marking the event’s debut in Jharkhand.

JAMSHEDPUR – The 4th All India Specially Abled Chess Tournament 2024, organized by Tata Steel, commenced with 68 players from across the country participating.

Naveen Kumar, with an Elo rating of 1986, enters as the top seed, followed by Fide Master Karthick Krishna Venkata K (1889) and defending champion Rao J Samarth (1770).

"This tournament showcases the remarkable talent and determination of specially abled chess players," stated Chaudhary Chanakya, Tata Steel VPCS, during the welcome address.

The event, hosted for the first time in Jharkhand, is a collaboration between Tata Steel’s sports department and the Chess Federation for the Physically Disabled.

Nine rounds will be played over four days, with a time control of 60 minutes plus a 30-second increment per move.

The tournament offers a total prize fund of Rs. 3,17,000, with the champion receiving Rs. 25,000.

Thipsay Pravin, Arjuna Awardee and India’s 3rd Grandmaster, graced the occasion alongside other dignitaries.

Babu Anand serves as the chief arbiter, overseeing the technical aspects of the tournament with a team of six match arbiters.

The event features various categories including Wheel Chair, Unrated, Women, U19 Junior Open, and Girls.

This tournament aims to promote chess among specially abled individuals and provide a platform for showcasing their skills at a national level.

Those who were present during the commencement included: Mr. Pravin Thipsay (Arjuna Awardee & 3rd Grandmaster of India), Mr. Jayawant Hammanavar, PCI, General Secretary,

Mr Manish Kumar, Joint Secretary, All India Chess Association, Mr. Chandan Roy Choudhary, PCI, Mr. Anandh Babu VL, Chief Arbiter & Treasurer CFPD, Mr. Baskaran M – Secretary CFPD, Mr Ajay Gupta -GM Marketing & Sales, Production Planning & Dispatch (JCAPCPL), Mr Navneet Kumar Sharma – Deputy Divisional Manager (JCAPCPL), Mr Mukul Vinayak Choudhari – Chief Sports and CEO JFC and Ms Vibhuti Dhand Adesara – Head Sports (Events & Training Centres)