Top Seed GM Aravindh Chithambaram V R won MPL National Blitz 2023

AICF EVENT CODE: 307995 /JK/ 2022 was organized by CROWN TRUST, under the aegis of Jammu district chess association, All J&K Chess Association and under the Banner of J&K Sports Council) On behalf of All India Chess Federation at The Kangra Fort, Barnai, Jammu

118 players from 22 states (ANDAMAN AND NICOBAR ISLANDS, ANDHRA PRADESH, ASSAM, BIHAR, DELHI, GOA, GUJARAT, HARYANA, HIMACHAL PRADESH, JAMMU AND KASHMIR, JHARKHAND, KARNATAKA, KERALA, MAHARASHTRA, MADHYA PRADESH, PUDUCHERRY, PUNJAB, RAJASTHAN, TELANGANA, TAMIL NADU, UTTAR PRADESH and WEST BENGAL) participated in this event. There were 100 FIDE rated players and 22 titled players. All the players were registered with AICF for the financial year 2022-23. There were 11 female players. GM Aravindh Chithambaram V R of Tamil Nadu with an ELO Rating of 2578 was the top seed and the second seed was West Bengal’s GM Mitarbha Guha with an ELO rating 2520. The event carried total cash prize of Rs 2.5 lacs.

Crown Trust is the proud organizer of this mega event. It was organized under the aegis of Jammu district chess association, All J&K Chess Association and under the Banner of J&K Sports Council) On behalf of All India Chess Federation. Mr. Atul Kumar Gupta was the Tournament Director. The event was conducted in one day and 11 rounds (with Time control of 3 minutes for each player with 2 seconds increment for every move starting from move 1) were played in all. 

         First round started immediately after the technical meet.

MPL NATIONAL BLITZ CHESS CHAMPIONSHIP 2022-23 was won by Top Seed GM Aravindh Chithambaram V R 2578 of TN. He scored 11 Points. He remained undefeated in the Championship with 11 wins. IM Mohammed Nubairshah Shaikh 2339 of Mah and IM Avinash Ramesh 2264 of TN were tied for the second spot with 8 and half points, but with a better tie break Nubairshah secured second place and  Avinash had to be content with Third Place.

The tournament hall for MPL NATIONAL BLITZ CHESS CHAMPIONSHIP 20222-23 was spacious and could accommodate all the players very comfortably. The playing hall was well decked up for the Chess Tournament and was very neat and clean. The hall had good lighting. The washrooms were on one side of the playing hall and were kept in a hygienic condition. Safe drinking water was provided to the players. A lot of comfortable space was provided for parents, guardians and coaches to sit in adjoining halls.

         The officials of Crown Trust were always around helping the participants, parents, and coaches for all their needs. For refreshment, different food stalls were available. Mr. Atul Kumar Gupta along with his team of efficient officials helped in organizing the MPL NATIONAL BLITZ CHESS CHAMPIONSHIP 20222-23 successfully.

         New FIDE IDs for one player was created in this Tournament. Thanks to Mr. Gopa Kumar M S, Rating Officer, AICF for the timely and quick response in creating the FIDE ID for the new unregistered player of the event. There were no disputes or protests filed by the players. The perception of chess among the participants, the spectators and the people improved by the wonderful organisational skills displayed by Crown Trust.

          During the Chess Tournament, the work of all the Arbiters was up to the mark Mr. Arvind Mhamal International Arbiter from Goa officiated as the Deputy Chief Arbiter. All arbiters are registered with AICF and are Licenced. Their wonderful performance greatly contributed towards making this Tournament a great success. 

        Prize distribution ceremony was presided by Atul Kumar Gupta, President AJKCA. Chief Guest was Dr. Harleen Kaur and Guest of Honour was Dr. A S Bhatia Principal GMC Rajouri and chairman organizing committee. Senior Prosecution officer Raj Kumar, Kuljeet Singh Jamwal, Baldev Raj, Arvindu Sharma, Ankush Bhardwaj, Ritish Pathania were the other Dignitaries on the dais.

Chief Guest and Guest of Honour distributed the prizes and trophies to the all the prize winners.