Rising chess stars battle for national qualification in Bhubaneswar.
Bhubaneswar’s PRO-CHESS-TA facility turned into a battlefield for young minds as five rounds of the 1st Dr. Debendra Pradhan Memorial Odisha State Under-7 Chess Championship wrapped up. This event serves as a critical scouting ground for the state, with the final results determining who will represent Odisha on the national stage in Maharashtra this June.
Leaders Emerge In Open Category
Reyansh Raj from Khordha and Virabhadra Brahma representing Mayurbhanj currently sit at the top of the leaderboard. Both players maintain a flawless record with 5 points each. Behind them, Prayansh Kumar Dash, Jigyansa Kumar Sahoo, and Shivansh Mohanty remain within striking distance, each holding 4 points. The strategic depth shown by these seven-year-olds highlights the growing chess culture in Odisha, a state that has consistently produced Grandmasters like Padmini Rout and Debasish Das.
Dominant Form In Girls Section
Elena Mishra has captured the spotlight in the girls' division. At just four years old, the Khordha native holds a perfect 5-point score, establishing herself as the clear favorite. Devanshee Sahoo and Gareema Swain are trailing by a single point, keeping the pressure high as the tournament enters its final phase.
Path to Nationals
Competition remains fierce because only the top two finishers from each category secure a spot for the National Under-7 Chess Championship. These young athletes are playing for more than just a local trophy; they are fighting for the honor of wearing the state colors at the upcoming national meet scheduled for June 7–11.
