Tata Steel Asian Junior Open and Girls Chess Championship kicks off from September 7

Jamshedpur, September 1, 2023: Tata Steel Asian Junior Open and Girls Chess Championship 2023 will be organised between September 7 to 15 at JRD Tata Sports Complex. 

A Total of 123 chess players from about nine (9) countries including Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Russia, Indonesia and Nepal have confirmed their participation. This vibrant international presence will add a layer of diversity and competitiveness to the championship.

The event will be graced by the presence of Chess icon Viswanathan Anand as the Chief Guest for the Opening Ceremony scheduled on September 7.

The Championship would be a testament to Jamshedpur’s transformation into a renowned sporting hub, capable of hosting international events.

Chanakya Chaudhary, Vice President Corporate Services, Tata Steel said, “This historic event not only highlights Tata Steel’s commitment to sports but also showcases the city’s growing prominence as a hub for national and international sporting events. Sports has always been a way of life for us at Tata Steel and such cross cultural interactions will add newer facets to the game of chess.”

Dharmendra Kumar, Chief Arbiter, Tata Steel Asian Open and Girls Chess Championship 2023 asserted that It is a matter of pride that India again has got the opportunity to host the Asian Chess Championship.  It is for the first time that a corporate house has tied up in such an event.  

 For the first time, a chess championship of this scale is being hosted in Jharkhand. This reinforces Tata Steel’s commitment to promoting chess and nurturing young talent in the region.

The championship will consists of two categories: the Asian Junior Open (Boys and Girls) and the Asian Girls Chess Championship. This dual structure ensures that players of both the genders have an equal opportunity to excel.

Tata Steel’s association with chess:

Tata Steel’s journey with Chess began decades ago, underlining company’s commitment to promoting intellectual pursuits and strategic thinking. Notable events include The Tata Steel Invitational Grand Masters Chess Tournaments in 1986, followed by another in 1988 in Kolkata.

Recognising the potential of Chess, Tata Steel established its inaugural Chess Training Centre in Jamshedpur in 1989. The centre has since been a hub for nurturing talents as it successfully trained over 4,000 students, with young minds from the age of 3 and a half to 15. Notably, these students have earned numerous national medals.

Dibyendu Barua, the Chess icon of Jamshedpur, played a pivotal role in promoting chess in the city. His contributions include representing India in the World Chess Championship five times and participating in Chess Olympiads from 1988 to 2002.

Radhakrishna Kamath and Dolan Champa Bose, along with International Chess Master Varugeese Koshy, have brought home laurels from international championships, further solidifying Jamshedpur’s position in the chess world.

Looking ahead:

The upcoming Tata Steel Asian Junior Open and Girls Chess Championship is poised to become a breeding ground for budding young chess players, fostering growth, and providing exposure to the best in the field. The event offers a unique opportunity for local players to interact with international competitors and witness the evolving landscape of Chess on a global scale.

Sports have an exceptional ability to bridge cultures and nations, and this championship will undoubtedly create lasting bonds and meaningful collaborations. As we move forward, we are confident that this event will catalyse the growth of Chess in the state and across India, inspiring new generation of players to embrace the game and achieve greater heights.

About the mascot:

Introducing “Hati,” the embodiment of strategy and wisdom at the 43rd Tata Steel Asian Junior Open and Girls Chess Championship 2023. With the grace of an elephant, Hati reflects the calculated moves of chess and the majestic traits of these magnificent creatures.

Hati’s thoughtful demeanour resonates with chess’s foresight and planning, while its playful spirit captures the joy of the game. As Hati paves the way, it leaves footprints that symbolize the journey of players united by their love for chess.

Throughout the championship, Hati will inspire players to strategize, move decisively, and embrace sportsmanship. Let Hati’s elegance and wisdom guide your journey to victory.