Chief Minister Raghubar Das Thursday here inaugurated the National Chess Tournament 2017, being organised by the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) at Sarala Birla Public School, as well as the newly built auditorium ‘Sarala Birla Kala Mandapam’.
The CM, on the occasion, congratulated the school management for hosting the tournament. He said that the students today are devoid of the opportunity to ‘play and sweat’. He applauded the efforts of the school for providing an atmosphere suitable for nurturing the talent. Around 100 CBSE schools from across the globe are participating in the tournament in which a total of more than 600 chess players are going to exhibit their mastery over the game of chess. Participants from countries such as Abu Dhabi, Qatar, Muscat and Dubai have assembled for the five day long meet. The game will be played in four age groups viz. under 11 years, under 14 years, under 17 years and under 19 years under the mixed and girls category.
The opening ceremony initiated with flag hoisting and a welcome song presented by the pupils of Sarala Birla Public School. The participants then marched to the tunes of the band with their flags waving high beckoning the spirit of sportsmanship and discipline.
Principal of the school, Paramjit Kaur inspired the students and said that the game of chess not only enhances the reasoning power and decision making of the students but also strengthen their concentration, which in turn will help them to achieve their goals. With this aim, students at Sarala Birla Public School are encouraged to participate in sports and games and students are provided an amiable and safe environment for the same.
Pradeep Varma, Admin Head and Personnel praised the endeavour of the students. The programe was adorned by several dignitaries like CEO of All Jharkhand Chess Association, Pritam Singh, CBSE observer RS Tiwari among others.