9th Karnataka State Schools Chess Championship 2026 Concludes in Kapu

The 9th Karnataka State Schools Chess Championship 2026 concluded successfully at Sri Hale Mariamma Sabha Bhavana in Kapu, Karnataka, drawing a remarkable 390 young chess players from across the state. Organised by Sri Narayana Guru School of Chess, Kapu, under the sponsorship of Affiliens Technology, Mangaluru, and with the support of Sri Hale Mariamma Temple, Kapu, the championship showcased the depth of grassroots chess talent in the region.

A Showcase of Young Talent

Participants competed across 12 age categories, producing a series of tightly contested encounters over the course of the event. Following the final round, 24 players — two from each category — earned the honour of representing Karnataka at the National Schools Chess Championship, the next major step on the competitive calendar.

Category Winners

• U-7: Athreya Raam and Hanvika V Rao
• U-9: Gahan C D and Darshvi Rai
• U-11: Sragvidha S and Sanvitha A Shetty
• U-13: Indrajit Majumdar and Indusheetala
• U-15: Aarush Bhat and Aadhya A Shetty
• U-17: Krishna and Arushi Severin Helen D Silva

Valedictory Ceremony

The closing ceremony was presided over by Dr. Sitarama Bhat, President of Dandatirtha Pratishthana, Kapu. Prizes were presented by Avinash Shetty, Founder of Affiliens Technology, alongside several distinguished guests, including Ram Nayak, Ramesh Kote (Vice President, KSCA), and Siddakrishna, Secretary of the Udupi District Chess Association. Other dignitaries from the chess community were also present to honour the participants.

Road to the Nationals

With the state championship concluded, attention now turns to the National Schools Chess Championship, where Karnataka’s 24 newly crowned representatives will carry the state’s flag. The Karnataka State Chess Association (KSCA) has extended its congratulations to all winners, medalists, and the selected players, while also acknowledging the organisers, sponsors, volunteers, officials, parents, and participants whose efforts made the championship possible.

Source

This report is based on information published by Karnataka State Chess Association.

Official source: https://karnatakachess.com/%f0%9f%8f%86-9th-karnataka-state-schools-chess-championship-2026-concludes-successfully-%e2%99%9f%ef%b8%8f/