Viswanathan Anand to inaugurate Asian Junior Chess Championship in Jamshedpur

121 players from nine countries to participate, mascot ‘Hati’ launched

Jamshedpur, Sept 1: Tata Steel Asian Junior Open and Girls Chess Championship 2023 will be organised between September 7 to 15 at JRD Tata Sports Complex in Jamshedpur.

A Total of 121 chess players including 58 girls and 63 boys from about nine countries including Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Russia, Indonesia, Nepal and India have confirmed their participation.

For the first time, a chess championship of this scale is being hosted in Jharkhand, said Dharmendra Kumar, Chief Arbiter, Tata Steel Asian Open and Girls Chess Championship 2023.

Addressing a press meet on Friday, Dharmendra Kumar said, “The championship will consist of two categories: Asian Junior Open (Boys and Girls) and the Asian Girls Chess Championship. This dual structure ensures that players of both the genders have an equal opportunity to excel.”

Dharmendra Kumar asserted that it is a matter of pride that India again has got the opportunity to host the Asian Chess Championship.  It is for the first time that a corporate house has tied up in such an event.

The event will be graced by the presence of Chess icon Viswanathan Anand as the Chief Guest for the opening ceremony scheduled on September 7, informed Chanakya Chaudhary, Vice President Corporate Services, Tata Steel.

He said, “This historic event not only highlights Tata Steel’s commitment to sports but also showcases the city’s growing prominence as a hub for national and international sporting events. Sports has always been a way of life for us at Tata Steel and such cross cultural interactions will add newer facets to the game of chess.”

The last championship held in Philippines in 2019 saw 52 participants and the number in Jamshedpur will be quite high, said Vibhuti Adesara.

Vibhuti Adesara informed that 12 International Master including 7 from India and 9 FIDE Master will participate in the championship.

She stated, “In a bid to provide a holistic experience to the participants an exciting city tour has been planned”.

On the occasion championship mascot ‘Hati’ was launched jointly by Chanakya Chaudhary, Vibhuti Adesara, Senior manager Sports, Tata Steel, ESDCA general secretary NK Tiwari and Dharmendra Kumar.

About the mascot:

‘Hati’ is the embodiment of strategy and wisdom at the 43rd Tata Steel Asian Junior Open and Girls Chess Championship 2023. With the grace of an elephant, Hati reflects the calculated moves of chess and the majestic traits of these magnificent creatures.

Hati’s thoughtful demeanour resonates with chess’s foresight and planning, while its playful spirit captures the joy of the game. As Hati paves the way, it leaves footprints that symbolize the journey of players united by their love for chess.

Throughout the championship, Hati will inspire players to strategize, move decisively, and embrace sportsmanship. Let Hati’s elegance and wisdom guide your journey to victory.

Tata Steel’s journey with Chess began decades ago, underlining company’s commitment to promoting intellectual pursuits and strategic thinking. Notable events include The Tata Steel Invitational Grand Masters Chess Tournaments in 1986, followed by another in 1988 in Kolkata.

Recognising the potential of Chess, Tata Steel established its inaugural Chess Training Centre in Jamshedpur in 1989. The centre has since been a hub for nurturing talents as it successfully trained over 4,000 students, with young minds from the age of 3 and a half to 15. Notably, these students have earned numerous national medals.

Dibyendu Barua, the Chess icon of Jamshedpur, played a pivotal role in promoting chess in the city. His contributions include representing India in the World Chess Championship five times and participating in Chess Olympiads from 1988 to 2002.

Radhakrishna Kamath and Dolan Champa Bose, along with International Chess Master Varugeese Koshy, have brought home laurels from international championships, further solidifying Jamshedpur’s position in the chess world.

Looking ahead:

The upcoming Tata Steel Asian Junior Open and Girls Chess Championship is poised to become a breeding ground for budding young chess players, fostering growth, and providing exposure to the best in the field. The event offers a unique opportunity for local players to interact with international competitors and witness the evolving landscape of Chess on a global scale.

Sports have an exceptional ability to bridge cultures and nations, and this championship will undoubtedly create lasting bonds and meaningful collaborations. As we move forward, we are confident that this event will catalyse the growth of Chess in the state and across India, inspiring new generation of players to embrace the game and achieve greater heights.