1st Assam University FIDE rated Chess Championship to be held from January 18-23, 2022

The first-ever Assam University FIDE (The International Chess Federation) rated Chess Championship is going to be held from January 18-23, 2022. Chess players from Sri Lanka, Nepal and Bangladesh besides homegrown talents from different parts of India are expected to participate in the competition.

The upcoming chess meet to be staged at the premises of Netaji Subhash Mancha, Assam University will be organised by Shatranj Foundation. Apart from FIDE (World Chess Federation) the competition will be held under the aegis of AICF ( All India Chess Federation), AACA ( All Assam Chess Association) and CDCA ( Cachar District Chess Association).

It is for the second time that such an elite level Chess competition is going to be held in Silchar. In 2019 a FIDE rated Chess meet was organised by CDCA featuring participants from 3 countries including India. Dibyendu Barua, who has the rare of distinction of becoming the second GM (Grand Master) of India after Vishwanathan Anand was the top seed of 1st Silchar Open FIDE rated Chess Meet 2019.

Bibendu Das, vice-president of AACA told Barak Bulletin that already close to 150 Chess players have confirmed their participation for the 1st Assam University FIDE rated Chess Championship. Three IMs ( International Master) and one CM ( Candidate Master) are among the top seeds of the tournament so far.

Das, who is also the Tournament Director informed that total cash prizes worth 4.25 lakhs will be awarded to the winners apart from 104 trophies in various categories. The organisers have decided to exempt defence personnel, transgender and specially-abled participants from paying any entry fees.

“Lodging or accommodation facilities will be provided for free to early bird entries. Seeing the overwhelming response from interested participants the last date for availing the benefits of early bird entries has been extended to December 31, 2021. Earlier it was December 25, 2021”.

The members of Shatranj Foundation have sought the cooperation of every Chess enthusiast of Barak Valley to come forward and extend their support in making the Ist Assam FIDE rated Chess Championship a success.