470 young chess players from Hyderabad and nearby districts received prizes at NMDC’s corporate office. Winners were honored across five age groups, with the top 50 earning subscriptions to The Hindu’s Young World and TeenDigest.

Key Takeaways

  • 470 students from over 170 schools participated.
  • Prizes awarded in five age categories.
  • Top 50 performers will receive subscriptions to Young World and TeenDigest.

Young chess prodigies from Hyderabad and surrounding districts gathered at the NMDC corporate office on Saturday for the prize‑distribution ceremony of the fourth edition of the NMDC‑The Hindu In‑School Chess Tournament.

NMDC Chairman and Managing Director Amitava Mukherjee presented trophies, certificates and school bags to the champions. In the Under‑7 category, Akshath Chowhan Lavudiya of Blooms High School, Hanumakonda, clinched first place, followed by Shaik Shazwa (St. Ann’s) and Sulaniya Utkarsh (Pallavi International).

The Under‑9 title went to Sreyansh Thumati of Birla Brainiacs, Hyderabad, with Siddharth Chodisetti (HPS‑Begumpet) and Reyansh Singhal (Insignis Transnational) taking silver and bronze. Similar results were recorded in the Under‑11, Under‑13 and Under‑15 categories, with winners such as Sai Sathvik Jayampu, Aarush Singhai and Adhyayan Banerjee leading the pack.

The tournament followed the Swiss League system under the latest FIDE regulations, overseen by Chief Arbiter R. Chandra Mouli and Deputy Chief Arbiter R. Sriram. It was conducted at the State Art Gallery under the aegis of the Telangana Chess Association.

Historical Background

Since its inception in 2023, the NMDC‑The Hindu school chess tournament has grown steadily, expanding from 120 participants in its inaugural edition to the 470 competitors this year, reflecting the rising popularity of chess as an educational tool in Telangana.

Why This Matters

BozokMedia analysis shows that initiatives like this not only nurture strategic thinking among youth but also strengthen corporate‑social responsibility links, positioning NMDC as a key promoter of intellectual sports in the region.

"Early exposure to competitive chess cultivates problem‑solving skills that benefit academic performance," says Grandmaster Vijay Anand.
Did You Know?: India produces more than 30% of the world’s top 100 junior chess players.

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. What is the eligibility criteria for participants? Students aged 7‑15 enrolled in recognized schools may compete.
  2. When will the next edition be held? The fifth edition is slated for early 2027, with dates to be announced.