Budding chess talents compete for national spots in Bhubaneswar.
Seventy-five young chess players gathered at PRO-CHESS-TA today to begin their quest for state glory at the 1st Dr. Debendra Pradhan Memorial Odisha State Under-7 Open and Girls Championship. This three-day event, running from May 5 to May 7, 2026, serves as a critical platform for identifying the most promising grassroots talent in the region. Shri Simanchal Khatei, General Secretary of BJP Odisha, officially opened the tournament alongside officials from the All Orissa Chess Association (AOCA).
Path to National Selection
High stakes define this competition, as the top two finishers in both the open and girls categories will earn the right to represent Odisha. These qualified players will travel to Maharashtra for the National Under-7 Chess Championship scheduled for June 7 to 11, 2026. This pathway reflects Odisha’s growing reputation as a sports hub, following the state's significant investments in sports infrastructure and training centers over the last decade.
Tournament Format and Early Leaders
Players are competing across seven rounds under a classical format, with 60 minutes allotted per player plus a 30-second increment per move. Following the conclusion of the initial two rounds, the leaderboard is already taking shape. Twelve competitors in the boys division have secured a perfect two points, while four girls currently hold the lead in their category.
Organisers scheduled three rounds for tomorrow, with the final two rounds on May 7 determining the ultimate standings. This tournament honours the legacy of Late Dr. Debendra Pradhan by focusing on the developmental levels of the game, ensuring that the state's chess ecosystem remains robust and competitive at the national level.
