United Educational Institutions & Coimbatore District Chess Association Successfully Host 1st International FIDE Rated Open Chess Tournament 2025 (21.05.2025 - 25.05.2025)

The United Educational Institutions, in collaboration with the Coimbatore District Chess Association (CDCA), proudly hosted the 1st International FIDE Rated Open Chess Tournament 2025 at their campus in Coimbatore. The event, which attracted 283 participants from seven states across India, was a remarkable celebration of talent, competition, and the ever-growing popularity of chess.

The tournament was inaugurated with grandeur and enthusiasm in the presence of several eminent dignitaries. The Chief Guest for the occasion was Thiru. PRG Arunkumar, Honourable Member of Legislative Assembly. Guests of Honour included Er. S. Shanmugam, Founder & Chairman of United Educational Institutions; IA Anantharam R, Vice President of the Tamil Nadu State Chess Association; Mr. Senthil Chinnasamy, President of CDCA; Dr. S. Mythili, Co-Chairman of UEI; Dr. A. Vijaya, Principal of United College of Arts & Science; IA V. Vijayaraghavan, Vice President of TNSCA & Chief Arbiter; Mr. R. Kannapiran, Tournament Convener from Vivaga Cards, Coimbatore; and FI, FA K. Dhanasekar, Secretary of CDCA.

As a symbolic gesture to officially launch the tournament, Thiru. PRG Arunkumar made the ceremonial first move with the white pieces, followed by Er. S. Shanmugam playing black. The dignitaries extended their best wishes to all participants and praised the significant role that chess is playing in shaping young minds across Tamil Nadu.

The tournament witnessed a strong field of 115 FIDE-rated players and 61 female participants, reflecting an encouraging increase in interest among women and young players. The age-group wise breakdown showed wide representation: 19 players in Under-08, 41 in Under-10, 62 in Under-12, and a remarkable 89 in the Under-15 category.

The competition saw several shifts in leadership across the rounds. By Round 5, Sailesh and Shadhursshaan were in the lead with perfect scores. In Round 6, a five-way tie emerged with Shadhursshaan, Sailesh, Selvamurugan, Karthick Bala, and Padmapriyan sharing the top spot. Shadhursshaan pulled ahead in Round 7 to become the sole leader. Round 8 saw a three-way tie between Shadhursshaan, Sailesh, and Lakshmi Narayanan. By the final round, a group of six players — Sailesh, Nigash, Lakshmi Narayanan, Adharva, Selvamurugan, and Mani Bharathy — were tied at 7.5 points, setting the stage for a thrilling finish.

Among the standout performances was that of Divesh V, who gained an impressive 106 Elo rating points during the event — the highest gain of the tournament.

The prize distribution ceremony was held on Sunday, 25th May 2025, at 3:00 PM at the UEI Saraswathi Hall. The ceremony was graced by prominent dignitaries including Er. S. Shanmugam, Founder & Chairman of UEI; Dr. CA. M. Kailash Kumar, Managing Trustee of UEI; Shri. V. Arunkarthikeyan, Secretary of UEI; Dr. S. Mythili, Co-chairman of UEI; Dr. A. Vijaya, Principal of UCAS; Rtn. MPHF. VAJ. Manikandan, President of RCC Elite; Rtn. PHF. Senthilvelan, Secretary of RCC Elite; Mr. K. Dhanasekar, Secretary of CDCA; Mr. V. Vijayaraghavan, Vice President of TNSCA; and Mr. R. Kannapiran, Tournament Convener. The winners were honoured with trophies and prizes, bringing the tournament to a fittingly celebratory close.

The top three winners of the tournament were:
1st Place – Sailesh R from Chennai
2nd Place – Nigash G from Erode
3rd Place – CM Lakshmi Narayanan M V from Dindigul

The 1st International FIDE Rated Open Chess Tournament 2025 not only highlighted the technical excellence and sportsmanship of its participants but also showcased the outstanding organizational standards of both the Coimbatore District Chess Association and United Educational Institutions. The event set a new benchmark for open chess tournaments in the region and reaffirmed Coimbatore’s growing reputation as a chess hub in South India.