The city of Kanpur witnessed a vibrant display of strategic brilliance as the second edition of the Mrs Kanak Vishnoi Memorial Women Chess Championship concluded successfully on Monday. The event, hosted at the JMD World School, crowned Anamika Gupta as the champion in the women's group and Agrima Patel as the winner in the Under-19 category.
A Grand Inauguration and Widespread Participation
The tournament was formally inaugurated by Malika Arora and Nishith Vishnoi, setting the stage for intense competition. Organised as a joint initiative by the Kanpur Chess Association and JMD School, the championship adopted a five-round Swiss league format to determine the winners. The event demonstrated the growing popularity of chess among women and girls in the region, attracting a strong field of 124 participants. Players competed across multiple age brackets, namely Under-9, Under-13, Under-17, Under-19, and the open women's group.
Celebrating the Champions and Key Support
Following the conclusion of the competitive rounds, a prize distribution ceremony was held to honour the achievers. The chief guest for the ceremony was Shyam Murari Nigam, Retired Commissioner of Income Tax. He was joined by a special guest, A K Raizada, Vice President of the All India Chess Federation (AICF). Together, they presented trophies and certificates to the winning players, acknowledging their skill and dedication. The presence of such dignitaries underscored the significance of the event in promoting chess at the grassroots level.
Boosting Women's Chess in Kanpur
The successful organisation of this championship highlights the concerted efforts by local chess bodies and educational institutions to foster talent. Events like the Mrs Kanak Vishnoi Memorial provide a crucial platform for young female chess enthusiasts to gain experience, compete seriously, and ascend the ranks. The involvement of the All India Chess Federation's vice president further connects local achievements to the national chess ecosystem, potentially opening doors for the talented winners to larger competitive arenas.
This championship not only celebrated the victors but also reinforced Kanpur's position as an active hub for chess development, encouraging more women and girls to take up the intellectually stimulating sport.
