Bhubaneswar: Odisha got its first chess academy on Thursday, on the occasion of International Chess Day.
Inaugurating the Professional Chess Training Academy ‘PRO-CHESS-TA’ in the capital city, state Sports minister Tusharkanti Behera dedicated it to chess enthusiasts of Odisha.
The state’s Sports & Youth Services Department, All India Chess Federation and Odisha Chess Association will be working closely to provide budding chess players an environment to learn, grow and excel at the Academy.
The Academy will be led by Fide trainer and International Master Satyapragyan, who will mentor the trainees to help nurture their talent and develop them to a higher level.
“I am delighted to inaugurate the Professional Training Chess Academy. We have conducted several programmes earlier to promote chess and the response from children and parents were very encouraging. This, along with the performance of our elite players at the national and international levels, has encouraged us to set up this academy,” the Sports minister said.
“We are guided by our visionary Chief Minister Naveeen Patnaik, and through such initiatives we are trying to create a platform for Odisha’s chess players to shine at the national and international stages, bringing pride to our state and country. I extend my gratitude to everybody who is working towards making this vision a reality,” he added.
On this occasion, the Sports Minister felicitated Padmini Rout, reigning National women’s chess champion, with a cash award of Rs 60,000. Padmini’s remarkable talent and dedication to the game have earned her the prestigious titles of International Master (IM) and Woman Grandmaster, making her a beacon of inspiration for aspiring chess players across the country.
“This is a great development for chess in Odisha. Those who are passionate about chess in the region will have a support system to guide them while they strive to pursue excellence in the game. I am grateful to the Government of Odisha for felicitating me today and forever supporting me in my journey and also giving aspiring chess players this opportunity,” said Padmini.
IM Satyapragyan lauded the Naveen-headed government’s vision to make Odisha the biggest chess literate state in India.
“In my entire professional career, never have I come across a state-of-art academy with all the latest technology as well as a dedicated library for students. I want to thank the government of Odisha for entrusting me with such a massive and important responsibility for supporting Odisha talent and making them masters of chess,” said Satyapragyan.
