Hyderabad: For the first time in Telangana, the Ekagra Chess Academy is organising one of the largest Open Rapid Chess Tournaments in the state, featuring a massive prize pool of ₹22,22,222. The two-day international event will be held on December 20 and 21 at the HITEX Exhibition Centre, Hyderabad.
Announcing the tournament at a press conference at the Somajiguda Press Club, Sharif Mohammad, senior journalist, Nandi Award winner, and Vice Chairman of the Ekagra International Chess Tournament, said, “This is the first time such a big open rapid tournament is being hosted in Telangana. A total cash prize of ₹22,22,222 will be distributed among the winners.”
Tournament Director Girish Reddy said, “Since the establishment of Ekagra Chess Academy in 2020, we have trained thousands of students. In the 2022 FIDE-rated tournament we organised, more than 1,300 players participated. This time, we are hosting the event on an even grander scale.”
He added that students performing exceptionally well in the event would be considered for the Ekagra Chess Scholarship Programme.
Organising Secretary Sowmya Janu said chess significantly enhances concentration, memory, and self-confidence, and expressed hope that more young players would take advantage of the opportunity.
Organised jointly with Prime9 News Channel, the tournament has already generated strong interest from players across India. Organisers said the championship offers a rare chance for chess enthusiasts in Telangana to compete in an event of international standards.
