Tarun Karthick
Port Blair, 12 May 2024
Andaman and Nicobar Police, in collaboration with the Andaman Nicobar Chess Association (ANCA), proudly marked the commencement of the 1st DGP Cup A&N State Open Chess Tournament 2024. This esteemed event kicked off on May 11th, 2024, at the Drill Hall, Armed Police Unit, Police Lines, signifying a significant leap for the chess community in the Andaman & Nicobar Islands. The initiative underscores the A&N Police’s commitment to community engagement and providing a platform for individuals to showcase their talents and passion for chess.
The opening ceremony, adorned with captivating cultural performances, was graced by the esteemed presence of Mr. Devesh Chandra Srivastva, IPS, Director General of Police, A&N Islands, promising a momentous celebration of the game of chess in our islands. The tournament sets out to cultivate camaraderie and healthy competition among players while championing the values of sportsmanship and strategic thinking inherent in chess.
With a record number of participants in the island’s chess history, ranging from 5-year-old Master V.K Nuhaan Siddiqqe to 66-year-old veteran Mr. P Sukumar, a total of 283 chess enthusiasts enthusiastically filled the registration forms, highlighting the immense potential within the community for this thrilling time-controlled rapid format of the game. The event was formally inaugurated with a ceremonial move made by the Chief Guest against Ms. K Kasthuri Bai, a Silver & Bronze Medallist at the Asian School Championship in Tashkent, Uzbekistan.
Addressing the gathering, the Chief Guest underscored the significance of sports in fostering physical and mental well-being, particularly among the youth of the A&N Islands. He lauded the efforts of both the A&N Police and the ANCA in organizing such an impressive tournament and reiterated the department’s steadfast commitment to supporting sports initiatives across the islands.