Bhubaneswar: SAI International Education Group, which is hosting the 18th National Chess Championship for the Visually Challenged, felicitated some of the distinguished players on Friday.
Scholar, spiritual thinker and author Dr C B Satpathy, who was the chief guest at the felicitation ceremony, honoured the chess champions for their outstanding achievements over the years.
Among eminent players honoured were — Odisha’s Soundarya Kumar Pradhan, gold-medallist (Board 2) at the 2022 World Team Chess Championship for the Blind in Macedonia and Team gold and individual silver winner at the 2023 Asian Para Games in China; IM Swayangsu Satyapragyan, also from Odisha, and Administrator of ProChESTA; Karnataka’s Kishan Gangolli, silver-medallist (Board 3) at the 2022 World Team Championship; Aryan B Joshi from Maharashtra, silver-medallist at the IBCA World Junior Chess Championship for Blind and Visually Impaired 2022 in France; Gujarat’s Darpan Inani, who clinched individual gold at the 2023 Asian Para Games; Odisha’s Prachurya Kumar Pradhan, who clinched silver in the 2018 Asian Para Games in Jakarta; and Swapanil S from Karnataka, silver-medallist at the 2023 Asian Para Games.
“It is a real inspiration to see the unshakeable will and intellectual acumen of these talented players. Chess is a game, but it is also a showcase of strategy, patience, and perseverance — attributes these champions have upheld in the face of adversity. This championship is a strong reminder that the greatest strength is in the mind and spirit. Thanks to SAI International Education Group, AICFB, and OCAVC for their initiative to promote inclusivity and give a chance for visually impaired players to excel. Let this go on to encourage and motivate generations to come,” Dr Satpathy said.
The national championship, which is being organised by the All India Chess Federation for the Blind (AICFB) in collaboration with Odisha Chess Association for Visually Challenged (OCAVC), and supported by Department of Sports and Youth Services, Odisha government, and ProChESTA, got underway on April 2 and will conclude on April 6.
Soundarya Pradhan, who is also secretary of OCAVC, multiple international medalist, said, “Chess is not just a game for us; it is a way of life. This championship is a stepping stone for players like us to compete on the world stage. I am grateful for platforms like these that recognize our abilities and push us forward.”
A total of 54 chess players (52 men and 2 women) from 15 states and Union territories, including four from Odisha, are competing in a 9-round individual championship format.
