AICFB NATIONAL JUNIOR CHESS CHAMPIONSHIP FOR THE VISUALLY CHALLENGED, 2024

Press Note

The 18th AICFB National Chess Championship for the Visually Challenged, 2025 kicked off with great enthusiasm at the SAI International Residential School in Cuttack on the morning of April 2, 2025. This prestigious championship is organized by the All India Chess Federation for the Blind (AICFB) in association with the Odisha Chess Association for the Visually Challenged, hosted by Sai International Residential School, and supported by the Directorate of Sports, Government of Odisha, along with Prochessta.

The prestigious event was inaugurated by the Chief Guest, Ms. Silpi Sahu, with Mr. Bijay Kumar Swain, Joint Secretary of the Department of Sports, Odisha, Mr. Sannyasai Behera, Joint Secretary of SSEPD, All India Chess Federation For The Blind (AICFB) authorities Kishan Ganguli and Swapnil Shah, attended as distinguished guests.

The event began with a warm welcome address by Sri Soundarya Kumar Pradhan, Secretary of the All Odisha Chess Association for the Visually Challenged. In his address, Mr. Kishan Ganguli, Vice President of AICFB, delivered an insightful speech, emphasizing the pivotal role that AICFB, under the leadership of its esteemed President, Dr. Charudutta Yadav, has played in fostering the growth of chess in India.

A highlight of the opening ceremony was a friendly game of chess between Sri Soundarya Pradhan and nine-time Women’s Champion, Vaishali Salavkar, which ended in a draw, much to the delight of the assembled students and staff. IM S Satyapragyan also expressed his gratitude to AICFB, the guests, and the host school.

The 9-round Premier Chess Championship, which will conclude on April 6, 2025, will determine the National Champion for 2025 and select the top five players who will represent India in upcoming international competitions. A total of 52 players from 15 states and 5 Union territories are competing for the top honors, having qualified through their respective zonal tournaments.

The Championship is being officiated by Chief Arbiter M. Manjunath IA, with assistance from Ms. Pinky Mohapatra, FA and Mr. K R Pradhan, SNA. After the players’ meeting the first round commenced after Hockey Olympian Lazarus Barla made a ceremonial first move.

Manish Thool
General Secretary
AICFB