The All J&K State Chess Tournament successfully concluded at the Srinagar Sports Club, witnessing a remarkable display of talent and sportsmanship from young chess enthusiasts. The tournament organized by the All J&K State Chess Association under the aegis of J&K State Sports Council featured competitions in six categories: U13 Boys, U13 Girls, U15 Boys, U15 Girls, U19 Boys, and U19 Girls. The event, held from 24th to 26th August 2024, attracted participants from across the region. A total cash prize of ₹284,000 was announced by AICF for the top performers in the various categories. The top six players in each category are as follows: U13 Boys: 1ST Hamzah Malik, 2nd Rikhvik Gandotra, 3rd Ahmed Gowhar, 4th Ehan Sajad 5th Malik Huzaif bin Zahid 6th Sehajdeep Singh U13 Girls: 1st Fatima 2nd Maryara Sharma 3rd Fatima tul Zohra, 4th Aaeesha Gowhar 5th Noorian Jan ,6th Hoor Fatima U15 Boys: 1st Hamzah Malik 2nd Arush Sharma, 3rd Ehan Sajad, 4th Rithvik Gandotra 5th Mohammad Qasim 6th Syed Ikhlas Bukhari U15 Girls: 1st Fatima 2nd Areeba Shabir 3rd Srujanika Gupta 4th Mirayaa Sharma 5th Huda Jan, 6th Amal Fatima U19 Girls: 1st Manasvi Gupta 2nd Srujanika Gupta 3rd Mohamina Hassan, 4th Fatima , 5th Fatima Khursheed, 6th Mahnoor Adfar U19 Boys:1st Mohammad Aayan Khan 2nd Hamzah Malik, 3rd Mohammad Moosa 4th Muhammad Hamzah Khan 5th Rithvik Gandotra 6th Soumya Mahajan
The top 2 players in the U13 categories and the top 14 players in the U15 and U19 categories from Boys & Girls will represent J&K UT in the upcoming nationals. Trophies were distributed among the winners, and the Manager of the Indoor Sports Complex supervised the event throughout. The tournament was successfully conducted under the observation of Mr. AB Rashid Wani (Financial Advisor) and Comrade Parvez (Treasurer), along with other members of the association. The event concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Mr. Arshid Ahmad, General Secretary of the All J&K Chess Association. Over the course of the championship, the players exhibited exceptional skills, strategic thinking, and sportsmanship in a friendly yet fiercely competitive environment. The tournament saw intense matches and nail-biting moments that kept spectators on the edge of their seats. It is heartening to witness the enthusiasm and talent of young chess players from UT of J&K. Chess is not just a game; it instills discipline, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills, which are essential for personal and academic growth. All J&K Chess Association look forward to continuing efforts to promote chess and nurture future chess champions."