Anticipating the opponents’ next move while planning vigorous strategies in their mind to checkmate their opponents, scores of participants made their way to Swarna Bharati Indoor Stadium to take part in the The Hindu In School Chess Competition 2016.
The downpour on Sunday morning failed to dampen the spirit of players who came in droves from far-flung places, including Garugubilli and Vepada, to exhibit their analytical skills in the contest. Forming their own phalanx before attacking an army of enemies marching forward, close to 320 participants in sub-juniors (from LKG to III Standard), juniors (Classes IV to VII) and seniors (Classes VIII to XII) categories took part in the contest that was spread in six rounds. Terming the game an effective tool to enhance memory power, M. Sahithi Varshini, a Class III student of De Paul School, who stood first in the sub-junior section, said: “In a war zone, every right move counts. Tournaments such as these will help gain experience in limiting the wrong moves.”
For Y. Sai Nikhil, a Class VI student of ETASI Timpany School, who grabbed the top spot in the junior group, the sport taught him better lessons. “Besides analytical thinking, patience plays a major role in chess as every step taken has its own repercussions,” he explained.
Describing the tourney organised by The Hindu as one of the best competitions held in the recent past, Rajashekar Reddy, a parent said: “There is a need to identify the hidden skills of children and introduce them to various avenues such as chess or keyboard classes. In case a person is not successful in studies, he or she can look into alternative career options.”
The event, supported by Thyrocare and Visakha District Chess Association, came to a close with a prize distribution ceremony. While the top four winners in junior and senior categories walked away with trophies, the next five toppers received medals and merit certificates. In sub-junior group, top four contestants received medals and the next five winners received merit certificates. Participation certificates were given to all. After giving away trophies, medals and certificates to the winners of the tourney, District Sports Development Officer June Gallyot Rodrigues, who attended as chief guest, said that sports play an important role in holistic development of the child provided one should be allowed to enjoy the game sans any pressure.
