Final Report :12th National Amateur Chess Championship 2024-25 in Bodh Gaya, Bihar from 25th – 29th March 2025

The National Amateur Chess Championship 2024-2025 was started on 25^th March 2025 at Sambodhi Retreat, Gaya, Bihar, attracting chess enthusiasts and competitors from every corner of the nation. The tournament saw participation from over 466 players from 26 states and 2 special units, ranging from seasoned amateurs to emerging talents, emphasizing the rich chess culture in India. The opening ceremony was held at 2:30 PM on 25^th March 2025, followed by the technical meeting.

The chief guest at the opening ceremony was Shri Sarthak Tiwari, the CEO of Vastu-vihar Properties and Sambodhi Retreat. Other dignitaries in attendance included Shri Diljeet Khanna, President of the All Bihar Chess Association; Shri Mahendra Dhakal, Secretary of the Sikkim Chess Association; Shri Ananthharam R, Senior International Arbiter; Shri Satendra Kumar from Vastu Vastya Builders; Shri Dharmendra Kumar, Secretary of the All Bihar Chess Association and Treasurer of the All India Chess Federation; and IA Swapnil Bansod, the Chief Arbiter.

The organizers ensured that all necessary facilities were available, including live broadcasting, refreshment stalls, and comfortable seating for parents and accompanying persons. The tournament followed a Swiss-system format consisting of nine rounds, allowing players of varying skill levels to compete fairly. Games were held daily, with each round scheduled at 9 AM and 3 PM, except the last day. The time control was set at 90 minutes plus 30 seconds increment per player.

The competition saw intense battles, with several upsets and exciting finishes that kept spectators on edge.  Notable matches included the clash between seasoned campaigners and up-and-coming players, showcasing the depth of talent in the amateur ranks. After five days of thrilling chess, the tournament concluded with the following top finishers:

The closing ceremony celebrated the achievements of all participants. Trophies were awarded to the top three finishers, medals were given to 4th to 10th place players. The chief guest for the closing ceremony was Grandmaster Praveen Thipasey, an Arjuna Awardee. The other dignitaries present included Shri Vinay Tiwari, Managing Director of VasuVihar Properties; Shri Mahendra Dhakal, Secretary of the Sikkim Chess Association; Shri Dharmendra Kumar, Tournament Director and Secretary of the All Bihar Chess Association, as well as Treasurer of the All India Chess Federation; and IA Swapnil Bansod, the Chief Arbiter.

The tournament in Gaya has set a new benchmark for future events, blending competitive spirit with camaraderie. The organizing committee received high praise for their efforts in making this championship a memorable experience.

Chief Arbiter IA Swapnil Bansod leads the Arbiter team and includes Deputy Chief Arbiter IA Anandh Babu, along with the following officials: IA Nandakishore, FA Ashish Raj, FA Suraj Gupta, FA Akash Payasi, FA Priyanka Kumari, SNA Palak Sinha, SNA Chandar Raj, SNA Pallavi, SNA Rashmi Priya, SNA Meera Kumari, SNA Vijay Kumar, SNA Manish Kumar, SNA Ajay Kumar Mishra, SNA Ankit Kumar Mishra, SNA Ritesh Kumar, SNA Abhijit Kumar, SNA Pratyush Kumar, SNA Jay Prakash Sinha, SNA Shashi Nand Kumar, and SNA Shiv Priya Bharadwaj. The fair play team consists of IA Shardul Sharma as the Fair Play Officer, who is ably assisted by IA Pornima Upalavikar.

As the chess community looks forward to next year’s championship, the enthusiasm displayed in Gaya has certainly stirred great anticipation for future contests, paving the way for the rise of the next generation of chess masters in India.