Odisha’s only international chess tournament has been converted into 8th KIIT International Chess Festival which will be held at KIIT International School here from May 24 to 31, informed All Odisha Chess Association (AOCA) secretary Vivek Tibarwal in a Press Meet here on Sunday.
As like last year the tournament to be played in three different categories. The players above 2200 rating will participate in the elite category, while, players below 1999 rating and 1699 rating will join in the platinum and premium categories respectively.
As many as 25 GM (nine Indian GM including only GM of Odisha) and 70 title holders from 15 countries are expected to fight for the title, said AOCA vice president Ranjan Mohanty. Altogether 700 players are expected to participate in the eight-day-long meet.
As like every year the KIIT institution will be providing free staying, food and transportation for the international tournament. Such a big event could possible only because of the support of the KIIT Institution. KIIT also donated Rs 1.62 crores for the development of chess in our State, added Ranjan.KIIT always stand behind with the noble cause of the society. Our motive is always pretty clear that if we can contribute for the development of our State in any field, we are always stand for that, said KIIT and KISS founder Dr. Achyuta Samanta.
Many chess players are the part of KIIT institution and so many international athletes of our State are the student of our institution and we feel proud of them they are the star of the State, added Samanta.
The elite category carries highest cash prize the champion will receive Rs 3 lakhs and runners-up to be richer by Rs 2 lakhs. While the third, fourth, fifth, sixth finishers will get Rs 1 lakhs, Rs 75, 000, Rs 50,000 and Rs 35,000 respectively. The elite category featuring total cash award of Rs 11 lakhs.
Similarly, the platinum and premium categories featuring total cash award of Rs 4 lakhs each. The champion and runner up both the event would get Rs 50,000 and Rs 40,000 respectively.
Among others, AOCA joint secretary Manoj Pattnaik, treasurer Saroj Kumar Behera and Khurda District Chess Association Subasis Mohanty were present.