West Bengal State Open & Girls FIDE Rated Chess Championship 2024 Begins with a Grand Opening at The Heritage School, Kolkata

Kolkata, October 19, 2024 – (Reported by Sanatan Mahakud): The West Bengal State Open & Girls FIDE Rated Chess Championship 2024 was inaugurated at The Heritage School, Anandapur, Kolkata, in a grand manner. The tournament, which brings together some of the best chess talent from across West Bengal, kicked off with a memorable ceremony attended by prominent dignitaries and chess enthusiasts alike. 

Ms. Seema Sapru, Principal of The Heritage School, officially inaugurated the event, alongside other esteemed guests, including Shri Amitava Ghosh Dastidar, GM Santosh Ray, Sri Sunil Singh, HOD-Sports at The Heritage School, Shri Sanjay Agarwal, Admin Head, and Basab Chaudhuri, Senior Director of Heritage Institute of Technology. 

272 Participants Compete for Chess Glory 

This year’s championship has attracted an impressive 272 players, representing 18 different districts of West Bengal, in both the Open and Girls categories. The tournament is being played in the Swiss system format with a total of 8 rounds, which is widely regarded as one of the most competitive formats in chess. Each match is being played with international chess sets, and every board is equipped with digital chess clocks, ensuring a professional and fair playing environment. 

High Stakes and Top Talent 

The competition witnessed intense chess battles, with players demonstrating their strategic prowess and fighting spirit. After several rounds of nerve-wracking contests, the players faced their final games, which determined the champions in both categories. 

In the Open Category, Niladri Banerjee from Howrah District showcased his remarkable skill and determination, ultimately clinching the Championship title. His performances throughout the tournament were praised by peers and officials alike, cementing his position as one of the top chess players in the region. 

In the Girls Section, it was Sunetra Dey from North 24 Parganas District who emerged victorious. Her consistent performance throughout the event saw her crowned as the Girls Champion, a well-deserved achievement that reflects her dedication to the sport. 

A Tournament to Remember 

The West Bengal State Open & Girls FIDE Rated Chess Championship 2024 has proven to be not only a platform for players to test their mettle but also a celebration of the growing chess culture in West Bengal. The tournament has provided young talents the opportunity to sharpen their skills, and the atmosphere of sportsmanship and camaraderie was palpable throughout. 

Speaking at the event, Ms. Seema Sapru remarked on the importance of fostering chess talent in schools, saying, "Chess teaches critical thinking, patience, and strategy—qualities that are invaluable both on and off the board. It is our honor to host such a prestigious tournament and to encourage our young minds to embrace the challenges of the game." 

The event has received widespread support from the chess community in West Bengal, with the state’s top players and upcoming talents participating with enthusiasm. 

Looking Ahead 

As the tournament draws to a close, the focus now shifts to upcoming national and international chess events, where both Niladri Banerjee and Sunetra Dey will likely represent West Bengal. Their success in this championship has set high expectations, and the chess community will be eagerly watching their next moves. 

The West Bengal State Chess Association and The Heritage School were commended for organizing the event seamlessly, ensuring a positive experience for players, spectators, and officials alike. 

As chess continues to gain popularity among students and sports enthusiasts in West Bengal, tournaments like this will play a vital role in promoting the game and discovering future grandmasters.