Jalgaon, Aug 2 (NationPress) The 38th National Under-11 Chess Championship was officially launched on Saturday at Anubhooti Mandap in the picturesque Jain Hills, Jalgaon.

This tournament has drawn participation from over 550 young chess enthusiasts nationwide, with nearly 400 competitors holding official FIDE (International Chess Federation) ratings, showcasing the high standards of this championship.

Participants hail from various states and territories, including Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Andhra Pradesh, Assam, Bihar, Chandigarh, Chhattisgarh, Delhi, Goa, Gujarat, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Karnataka, Punjab, and Rajasthan. These young talents have gathered in Jalgaon seeking national recognition and opportunities to improve their international ratings.

The esteemed tournament, which plays a pivotal role in discovering and nurturing emerging talent, was inaugurated by Union Minister of State for Youth Affairs and Sports, Raksha Nikhil Khadse.

The inauguration ceremony drew comparisons to the recent stunning achievement of Divya Deshmukh at the FIDE Women's World Cup, highlighting the vast potential within India's youth chess community.

The championship is structured following the Swiss League format across 11 intense rounds, providing competitors with a major opportunity to earn and elevate their FIDE international ratings. Notable participants include Advik Agrawal from Pune (FIDE Rating: 2251) and Devi Bijesh from Kerala (FIDE Rating: 1869), enhancing the prestige of this event.

This championship is the collaborative effort of the Jain Sports Academy, Jalgaon District Chess Association, Maharashtra Chess Association, and the All India Chess Federation, with primary sponsorship from Jain Irrigation.

A prize pool totaling Rs 8 Lakhs has been announced, with cash awards allocated not only for champions and runners-up but also for commendable draws and performances throughout, celebrating skill, sportsmanship, and strategy.

In her keynote address, Raksha Khadse underscored the enduring importance of opportunities during formative years, aligning with the Ministry's vision to cultivate a flourishing sports culture at the grassroots. She reiterated the government's pledge to empower young athletes through flagship initiatives like 'Khelo Bharat Niti 2025' and the 'Khelo India' program, aimed at fostering sporting talent, enhancing fitness, and providing the essential infrastructure for future champions.

Khadse extended her best wishes to the young competitors, noting that chess instills invaluable qualities such as discipline and mental acuity, laying the groundwork for their future triumphs in both sports and life.