The northern Indian city, known for its IT and finance industries, is facing an unexpected challenge: heavy rainfall leading to waterlogged roads, earning it the nickname ‘Jalgram’ (meaning ‘water city’). However, the weather won’t dampen the spirits of chess enthusiasts as the city prepares to host the 61st National Chess Championship.
Despite the flooding, the event will proceed as planned, with over 340 players, including several former champions and 19 Grandmasters, competing for the coveted title. The tournament is held at the RPS International School and boasts a total prize fund of Rs. 30 lakh, with the champion receiving a prize of Rs. 6 lakh.
The tournament is led by Surya Shekhar Ganguly, a Kolkata-based player who holds the record for winning the National Championship six consecutive times, from 2003 to 2008. He is the top seed with an Elo rating of 2583. Abhijeet Gupta, also with an Elo rating of 2583, is seeded second. The chief arbiter, R. Anantharam, explained that Ganguly is the top seed due to alphabetical order, as both players have identical ratings and titles. Abhijeet Gupta is another former champion, having won the title in 2011.
The tournament is expected to provide an excellent platform for untitled players to compete for GM (Grandmaster) or IM (International Master) norms. With the presence of numerous top players and a significant prize fund, the 61st National Chess Championship promises an exciting and competitive tournament.
