Announces Viani Antonio Dcunha as the winner of the tournament.
504 players participated across age groups where they battled for the coveted title and a total prize money of INR 10 lakhs
The event brought together the chess talents across Karnataka under one roof to compete for the ultimate glory
Bengaluru, 30 May 2023: The five-day Akshayakalpa Organic Karnataka State Chess Championship concludes today, announcing IM Viani Antonio Dcunha as the winner of the sought-after title. A total number of 504 participated in the championship, which was held at Forum Mall, Konanakunte Cross on Kanakapura Road and was organized by the Bangalore Urban District Chess Association (BUDCA). A total prize money of INR 10 lakhs was awarded to the winners under various categories in the ceremony.
The final ceremony was graced by dignitaries including Mr. U T Khader, Hon’ble Speaker, Karnataka Legislative Assembly; Mr. Bharat Singh Chauhan, Chairman, FIDE Advisory Board & Chairman Commonwealth Chess Association; Mr. Aravind Shastry, Secretary, Karanataka State Chess Association; Mr. Raghavendra V, Vice- President, Karnataka State Chess Association & Founder of Karnataka Chess School; Mr. Vinay Kurtakoti, Vice-President, Karnataka State Chess Association; Mr. Shashi Kumar, Co-Founder & CEO, Akshayakalpa Organic; Dr. Nirmala C Yaligar, Assistant Director & Programme Head, Doordarshan and Mr. Fayaz Malali Hammabba, General Manger, Mall Operation Forum Mall.
Name of the winners | Position | Prize money won |
Viani Antonio Dcunha | First Place | INR 1 lakh |
Yashas D | Second Place | INR 70, 000 |
Balkishnan A | Third Place | INR 55, 000 |
M S Thejkumar | Fourth Place | INR 40, 000 |
The first four players of the championship will represent Karnataka in the national championship.
Mr. Aravind Shastry, Secretary, Karanataka State Chess Association said, “It was a great initiative by Akshayakalpa Organic and BUDCA. I would like to wish the very best to all the participants and winners for taking chess to the next level in Karnataka. It was one of the finest tournaments that was held in Karnataka till date.”
Ms. Sowmya M U, President, Bengaluru Urban District Chess Association said, “We are proud to organize this prestigious event. It is our dream to make a difference in the world of chess. As a BUDCA team, we were able to make the change in the city. Our aim is to make Bengaluru a chess hub. We are thankful to all the participants for their utmost support to make this event a grand success. I would like to thank Akshayakalpa Organic and Forum Mall for all their support. It is not only a championship but a celebration in the chess fraternity.”
Mr. Shashi Kumar, Co-Founder & CEO, Akshayakalpa Organic said, “I was delighted to witness the enormous response received during the Akshayakalpa Organic Karnataka Chess Championship 2023. I would like to congratulate all the participants and the winners of the tournament. Heartfelt thanks to Bengaluru Urban Development Chess Association for organizing the 5-day prestigious event. The game of chess is very close to my heart. It embodies intelligence, resilience, and critical thinking to make the right choice and these are the values that resonate strongly with Akshayakalpa Organic. We will look forward to many such associations in the future.”
Akshayakalpa Organic Karnataka State Chess Championship was held from 26th to 30th May with 9 rounds. The tournament witnessed an intense battle of wits and strategic prowess, captivating chess enthusiasts and fans across the state. The tournament included the state champions such as the GMs and IMs from Karnataka at play. GM M S Thejkumar, FM D Yashas, FM Sharan Rao, FM Niranjan Navalgund, IM Viani Antonio Dcunha, WIM Isha Sharma among others were few noteworthy players who participated in this prestigious tournament. 91 female players participated and 12 veteran players participated above the age of 60 years. Krishnaiah Setty C D was the senior most player at the age of 78 years and the youngest player was Saanvi Santosh who was 5 years old. The tournament was also a zero-waste event through various on-ground initiatives.
