VIT-AP International FIDE-rated Chess tourney begins in Amaravati

The first VIT-AP International FIDE rated Chess tournament started in Amaravati on Monday, June 1, with 417 participants from 15 States and also from the United States competing for the title of Champion.

The tournament is organized by VIT-AP University and Andhra Chess Association (ACA) between June 1 and 5. It consists of two major FIDE-rated international tournaments: VIT-AP Amaravati International Open Chess Tournament 2026 (1-5 June) and VIT-AP Amaravati International Under-18, unrated players Chess Tournament 2026 (6-8 June) and carries a combined prize fund of ₹30 lakh. The match is played in a 9-round Swiss League format, with time control of 90 minutes plus 30-second increments from the first move. The championship will end on June 5. Participants include 325 actors with international ratings, 97 of whom are female actors.

Director General of Police (DGP) Harish Kumar Gupta inaugurated the event. Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Harish Kumar pointed out that chess is a game that develops strategic thinking, discipline, patience and decision-making abilities, qualities required for leadership and nation building. He added that such events contribute significantly to the holistic development of youth and strengthen Andhra Pradesh’s reputation as a center of excellence in sports and education.

Inspector General of Police Ake Ravi Krishna, who later attended as the guest of honour, said that by bringing together players from different regions and countries, the event not only promotes competitive excellence but also cultural exchange and mutual learning.

While VIT-AP University Vice-Chancellor P. Arulmozhivarman welcomed the students, Andhra Chess Association president A. Suresh said that the tournament was an important milestone in the growth of chess in Andhra Pradesh.

Participants come from the States of Andhra Pradesh, Delhi, Goa, Gujarat, Jammu and Kashmir, Karnataka, Kerala, Maharashtra, Odisha, Rajasthan, Telangana, Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal and also from the USA.

The first place in the tournament is taken by Sri Sai Baswanth P. (Andhra Pradesh) with an Elo rating of 2344, followed by Tamil Nadu State Champion B. Vignesh and Tamil Nadu Under-17 Champion S. Haridev.

Nagesh-SP Eagle Cell, Guntur, Vakul Jindal, Superintendent of Police, Guntur and other college officials were present on the occasion.