Minister Bhaskar Bhattacharya Presents Award at Charity Chess Tournament for Thalassaemia Patients in Kolkata

Kolkata Hosts Charity Chess Tournament to Support Thalassaemia Patients

Kolkata, India — In a remarkable display of community spirit and strategic prowess, the Lake Club hosted Chessmeet-2026 on Sunday, a charity chess tournament aimed at raising funds and awareness for thalassaemia patients. The event, organized by the Chess Meet Foundation and Mind Game Chess Academy, brought together chess enthusiasts from various professions and age groups, underscoring the game’s potential to foster social welfare and cognitive health.

Thalassaemia, a genetic blood disorder, affects approximately 10% of the population in West Bengal, with a child born to carrier couples facing a 25% chance of being thalassaemic. Patients require regular blood transfusions every two to five weeks, alongside costly therapies like iron chelation to prevent organ damage. While government hospitals offer free treatment, private facilities can charge between Rs 12 lakh to Rs 15 lakh for a bone marrow transplant, placing a significant financial burden on families.

State Minister of Public Health and Labour, Bhaskar Bhattacharya, attended the event, emphasizing the importance of community support for thalassaemia patients. “We must come together to alleviate the economic strain these families face,” he stated. The tournament raised a commendable Rs 50,000, which was presented to the Thalassaemia Control and Awareness Society.

Among the notable attendees were State Finance Minister Swapan Dasgupta, chess grandmaster Dibyendu Barua, and other dignitaries including Justice Kausik Chanda and CU Vice-Chancellor Ashutosh Ghosh. The event not only showcased chess talent but also highlighted the commitment of local leaders to support health initiatives.

In the competitive arena, Agneem Dutta emerged as the champion in the rating category, with Kirit Bikram Chanda and Aabir Dutta securing second and third places, respectively. Other category champions included Anirban Dharitriputra, Arijit Sinha, and Shreya Ghosh, among others.

Jayanta Sarkar, CEO of Mind Game Chess Academy, and Anirban Mukherjee, secretary of the Chess Meet Foundation, expressed their dedication to continuing such initiatives. “Chess is not just a game; it’s a tool for change,” they affirmed.

As the tournament concluded, the spirit of camaraderie and compassion resonated throughout the venue, proving that even a game of chess can make a significant impact in the lives of those in need.