J&K hosting historic South Asian Amateur Chess C’ship from Sept 1

Atul Kumar Gupta, president, All J&K Chess Association and Joint Secretary, All India Chess Federation and other dignitaries addressing media persons in Jammu on Tuesday. — Excelsior/Rakesh
Atul Kumar Gupta, president, All J&K Chess Association and Joint Secretary, All India Chess Federation and other dignitaries addressing media persons in Jammu on Tuesday. — Excelsior/Rakesh

Excelsior Sports Correspondent

JAMMU, Mar 1: All Jammu and Kashmir Chess Association is going to organize historic South Asian Amateur Chess Championship at Sher-e-Kashmir Indoor Stadium, Srinagar from September 1 to September 6, 2016. This will be one of the biggest sports events ever held in the State of J&K. The participating countries will be India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Afghanistan, Nepal, Bangladesh, Bhutan and Maldives.
This was informed by Atul Kumar Gupta, president, All J&K Chess Association and Joint Secretary, All India Chess Federation while addressing media persons at Press Club, here today.
He said that the event is recognized by World Chess Federation, Asian Chess Federation and All India Chess Federation. and the main sponsors of the event is J&K State Sports Council.
Mr Gupta further said that 250 players from eight SAARC Countries (including about 75 players from J&K State) are expected to participate in it, adding that a cash prizes of Rs 10, 00, 000 will be distributed among the winners.
“Asian chess Federation President will appoint chief Arbiter of this event and there will be 7 Deputy Arbiters. Appeals Committee will be appointed by the Chief Arbiter in consultation with Asian Chess Federation President. The event will be played under FIDE Laws of chess under Swiss System. Total 9 rounds will be played. There will be special prizes for veterans, women and young players,” Mr Gupta informed.
The last date of entry is July 1, 2016. For registration, circular and event details interested players can check World Chess Federation site www.fide.com, Indian Chess Federation site www.aicf.in and All J&K Chess Association site www.alljkchess.com. Players below 2000 FIDE Rating or unrated players can participate in it. Participation certificate will be given to all the players
It is pertinent to mention here that All J&K Chess Association has given big platform to state players and have already organized 10 National level events besides about 100 state level events.
Baldev Raj and Taranvir Singh Gujral, vice presidents AJKCA, Vikas Nanda, organizing secretary of this event and Dr AS Bhatia Advisor to organizing committee were also present on the occasion.