CBS Office
4 Apr 2025
Sai International School, Bhubaneswar
SAI International Education Group, a trailblazer in K-12 education in Eastern India, hosted the 18th National Chess Championship for the Visually Challenged, organized by the All-India Chess Federation for the Blind (AICFB) in collaboration with the Odisha Chess Association for Visually Challenged (OCAVC).
The prestigious tournament, supported by the Department of Sports and Youth Services, Government of Odisha, and ProChESTA, is being held from April 2 to April 6, 2025.
The prestigious event brought together 54 skilled chess players (52 men and 2 women) from 15 states and union territories across India, who competed in a 9-round individual championship format. Maharashtra led in participation with 11 players, while Odisha was represented by four talented players—Soundarya Kumar Pradhan, Subhendu Kumar Patra, Prachurya Kumar Pradhan, and Deepak Kumar Bhoi.
On the 4th April 2025, a felicitation ceremony was held at the school premises, the chief guest, Dr. Chandra Bhanu Satpathy, honoured the chess champions for their outstanding achievements.
Dr. Satpathy admired the extraordinary capabilities of the players, emphasizing, “They may not see the outer world, but they can see their inner self.” He applauded the nation’s top players. He paid tribute to the visionary legacy of Founder, Late Dr. Bijaya Kumar Sahoo, whose contributions to education and sports continue to inspire.
Among the distinguished players recognised was Soundarya Kumar Pradhan from Odisha, who won Gold (Board 2) at the World Team Chess Championship for the Blind 2022 in Macedonia and Team Gold and individual silver at the Asian Para Games - 2023 in China. Other players included - IM SwayangsuSatyapragyan from Odisha, Administrator of ProChESTA, Department of Sports & Youth Services, Govt of Odisha and 5 Times National-A Participant Representing Air India; Kishan Gangolli from Karnataka, who won Silver (Board 3) at the IBCA World Team Championship 2022 in Macedonia; Aryan B Joshi from Maharashtra, who secured a Silver Medal at the IBCA World Junior Chess Championship for the Blind and Visually Impaired 2022 in France; Darpan Inani from Gujarat, who clinched Individual Gold at the Asian Para Games 2023 in China; Prachurya Kumar Pradhan from Odisha, who earned Silver at the Asian Para Games 2018 in Jakarta, Indonesia; and Swapanil S from Karnataka, who won Individual Silver at the Asian Para Games 2023 in China. Their remarkable contributions to chess were celebrated as an inspiration to aspiring players.
Program can be watched:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_YI4udr0X_M