VIT-AP International FIDE-Rated Chess Tournament Kicks Off in Amaravati with 417 Participants from 15 States
First VIT-AP International FIDE-Rated Chess Tournament Kicks Off in Amaravati
Amaravati, June 1, 2026 — The inaugural VIT-AP International FIDE-rated Chess Tournament commenced today, drawing an impressive 417 participants from 15 states, including international competitors from the United States. The tournament, organized by VIT-A.P. University in collaboration with the Andhra Chess Association (ACA), runs from June 1 to 5 and promises to be a significant event in the chess calendar.
The tournament features two major competitions: the VIT-AP Amaravati International Open Chess Tournament and the VIT-AP Amaravati International Below-18 Unrated Players Chess Tournament, with a combined prize fund of ₹30 lakh. The format is a 9-round Swiss League, with players competing under a time control of 90 minutes plus a 30-second increment from the first move.
Director General of Police (DGP) Harish Kumar Gupta inaugurated the event, emphasizing the importance of chess in developing strategic thinking and decision-making skills. “Chess is a game that fosters qualities essential for leadership and nation-building,” he stated, highlighting the event’s role in the holistic development of youth and reinforcing Andhra Pradesh’s status as a hub for sports and education.
Ake Ravi Krishna, Inspector General of Police, who served as the guest of honor, echoed these sentiments, noting that the tournament promotes competitive excellence and cultural exchange among players from diverse backgrounds.
P. Arulmozhivarman, Vice-Chancellor of VIT-AP University, welcomed the participants, while A. Suresh, president of the ACA, hailed the tournament as a milestone in the growth of chess in the region.
Among the participants are 325 internationally-rated players, including 97 women, representing states such as Andhra Pradesh, Delhi, Goa, Gujarat, Jammu & Kashmir, Karnataka, Kerala, Maharashtra, Odisha, Rajasthan, Telangana, Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, and the USA. The top seed is Sri Sai Baswanth P. from Andhra Pradesh, boasting an Elo rating of 2344, followed closely by Tamil Nadu State Champion B. Vignesh and Under-17 Champion S. Haridev.
The tournament is set to conclude on June 5, with excitement building as players vie for top honors and recognition on an international stage.
As the chess pieces move and strategies unfold, the VIT-AP International Chess Tournament is poised to leave a lasting impact on the chess community and inspire future generations of players.