IIT Madras to host 6th Shaastra Rapid FIDE Rated Chess Tournament

The Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras) is hosting the International Chess Federation (FIDE)-rated rapid chess tournament from 30 to 31 March 2024. This is the sixth Shaastra Rapid FIDE rated chess tournament held in Chennai.

• IIT Madras is the only IIT in the country to conduct an Open Rapid Rating Tournament every year.

Highlights of the 6th Shaastra Rapid FIDE Rated Chess Tournament:

• More than 35 players from IIT Madras are participating in the event. Prominent players participating in the '6th Shastra Rapid FIDE Rated Chess Tournament' include:
  • Six grandmasters
  • Sixteen International Master
  • Three female grandmasters
  • A Woman International Master.
• Players from different countries including Australia, England, America and Singapore are participating in this tournament.

Prize money received by tournament winners:

• The total prize money of the tournament is ₹ 5,00,000. The first prize in this is ₹ 65,000. The tournament not only offers substantial prize money but also attracts a wide variety of players. It is awarded to a player who contributes to the development of chess culture within and outside the institute.

Tamil Nadu is the powerhouse of Indian chess:

• Chess Tournament Tamil Nadu is the chess powerhouse of India and Chennai is at its centre. Hosting FIDE-rated tournaments such as Shastra Rapid Chess events provide participants with the opportunity to test their abilities.
• Participants get the opportunity to improve their ratings and gain valuable experience.
• The Chess Tournament provides an opportunity to chess lovers of IIT Madras to experience an exclusive tournament within the institute itself.

Players participating in Rapid FIDE Rated Chess Tournament:

• Some of the prominent players who have participated in this chess tournament include:
  • GM Srinath Narayanan captained the Indian chess team at the 2022 Asian Games, leading them to win the silver medal.
  • GM Vishnu Prasanna
  • GM Pranesh M
  • GM Deepan Chakravarty
  • GM R R Laxman
  • GM Bharatsubramaniam
  • WGM Rakshita Ravi
  • WGM Srija Seshadri
  • WGM Varshini V

About the International Chess Federation (FIDE):

• The International Chess Federation (FIDE) is the governing body of the game of chess. It regulates all international chess competitions. Along with the governing bodies of football, cricket, swimming and auto racing, FIDE is one of the first international sports federations.
• FIDE was established on July 20, 1924, in Paris, France.
• FIDE President: Arkady Dvorkovich
• FIDE Headquarters: Lausanne, Switzerland