Exciting Start to the 2024 India College Chess Championship: SRM Institute Dominates Division 1

The 2024 India College Chess Championship (ICCL) kicked off on August 22, 2024, with a record-breaking number of registrations. A total of 245 teams, comprising over 1200 players, are vying for the top honors in this prestigious event. The SRM Institute of Science and Technology, led by GM Pranesh M, made a strong start by dominating the first two rounds in Division 1. Additionally, St. Joseph’s College of Engineering showcased their prowess by defeating formidable opponents like Netaji Subhas University of Technology and Shri Ram College of Commerce.

The event, exclusively for college students in India, has attracted some promising grandmasters like Pranesh M and Arjun Kalyan. The regular season will run from August 22 to October 3, followed by the Playoffs from October 10 to October 24. Teams will engage in a seven-week round-robin of all-play-all matches, with the top six teams advancing to the playoffs to compete for a share of the $15,000 prize fund.

Key clashes and moments in the tournament have already created buzz among chess enthusiasts. From unexpected blunders to tactical shots and surprise openings, the competition is heating up with each round. In Division 2, Keshav Memorial Institute of Technology and the A team of Birla Institute of Technology have secured victories in both rounds. Meanwhile, in Division 3, BITS Goa Admirals, BITS Pilani B Team, and Chess Team A are leading with perfect scores.

As the battle for the top prizes intensifies, fans can expect more thrilling encounters in the upcoming rounds. Stay tuned for updates on the India College Chess Championship, the premier online chess competition for college students in India, as the teams continue to showcase their skills and strategic prowess on the virtual chessboard.