As many as 250 players from eight countries of South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) would vie for top honours in the historic South Asian Amateur Chess Championship to be hosted by J&K for the first time in Srinagar at Sher-e-Kashmir Indoor Stadium from September 1 to 6.
The participating countries are India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Afghanistan, Nepal, Bangladesh, Bhutan and Maldives.
While briefing the media today, Atul Kumar Gupta, president of the All J&K Chess Association and joint secretary of the All India Chess Federation, said the event was recognised by the World Chess Federation, Asian Chess Federation and All India Chess Federation. He added that around 75 players from J&K would get a chance to compete in the prestigious championship.
“Total cash prizes worth Rs10,00,000 will be distributed among the winners. The Asian Chess Federation president will appoint the chief arbiter of the event and there will be seven deputy arbiters. Members of an appeals committee will be appointed by the chief arbiter in consultation with the Asian Chess Federation president,” Atul Gupta said.
The event will be played under the Federation International Des Echecs (FIDE) Laws of chess under the Swiss system. Total nine rounds will be played. There are special prizes for veterans, women and young players. The last date of entry is July 1 and with late fee it is August 1.
Atul said players below 2,000 FIDE rating or unrated players could participate in the championship and a participation certificate would be given to all the players.
Valley to host South Asian Amateur Chess Championship from Sept 1
