ISB@75 Chess Championship begins with grand opening and record participation

TDT | Manama

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The ISB@75 Chess Championship, organised to mark the Platinum Jubilee of The Indian School Bahrain (ISB), kicked off yesterday with a grand opening ceremony at the Jashanmal Auditorium, Isa Town Campus. The two-day event is held under the patronage of the Bahrain Chess Federation and in collaboration with Arjun’s Chess Academy (ACA).

The event was inaugurated by Bahrain Chess Federation President Anmar Ibrahim Ahmadi, who attended as the Chief Guest. Also present were ISB Chairman Adv. Binu Mannil Varughese, Vice-Chairman and Member – HSSE & Sports Dr. Mohammed Faizal, Member – Transport Mohammad Nayaz Ullah, Principal VR Palaniswamy, ISB Platinum Jubilee General Convener Prince S. Natarajan, Vice-Principal (Senior School & Academic Administration) G. Satheesh, ACA CEO Arjun Kakkadath, Staff Representative Parvathi Devadas, Physical Education teachers, and community leaders. The championship opened with a Free Chess Workshop, accessible to students and enthusiasts across Bahrain. The session was led by expert coach Janelle Dela Cerna.

With nearly 250 players and 60 school teams registered, the ISB@75 Championship is shaping up to be one of the largest chess tournaments ever held in Bahrain. The Interschool Team Chess Championship began this morning, featuring school teams competing in Under-12 and Under-19 categories. Schools are permitted to field multiple four-member teams, with matches played under FIDE Rapid Rules using the Swiss League format. Trophies and certificates will be awarded to the top three teams in each category.

Later in the day, the Open Rapid Chess Tournament welcomed players of all ages. Prizes will be distributed across several categories, with special honours for the top 10 performers. All matches are being conducted in line with official FIDE regulations. The championship will conclude with a grand finale scheduled for 8:00 PM tonight.