Akola: Playing chess enhances students’ intellectual development and ignites young minds, said Dr. Shailesh Jhala, President of the National Council for Teacher Education, while inaugurating the Open Chess Tournament jointly organized by R.B. Chess Academy and Prabhat Kids School.

The inaugural ceremony was graced by Dr. Rajiv Pandya (Shiksha Sanskriti Utthan Nyas, New Delhi), Dr. Kalpesh Pathak, Jignesh Patel (Councillor for Teacher Education, Gujarat), Principal Dr. Suhas Patil, Dr. Gajanan Nare (Founder ,Director, Prabhat Kids School), Chief Arbiter Prashant Dhangekar, Rahul Bharsakale (Director, R.B. Chess Academy), Swapnil Mandale (Head, Sports Department, Prabhat Kids School) and Ashish Belokar (Sub HOD, Sports Department).

In his introductory address, Dr. Gajanan Nare congratulated the parents for encouraging their children to participate in the tournament and extended his best wishes to all the players. The dignitaries formally inaugurated the tournament by making the ceremonial first moves on the chessboard.

The tournament witnessed enthusiastic participation from around 200 players across Akola district. A large number of parents were also present to encourage the participants.

At the conclusion of the tournament, the winners were felicitated with trophies and cash prizes by the dignitaries. The programme was efficiently compered by Kalyani Sangunvedhe, while the vote of thanks was delivered by Prakash Gudikundalwar.

The successful organization of the tournament was made possible through the dedicated efforts of Shridhar Kaushal, Prof. Balasaheb Tayde, Mahesh Khotte, Balasaheb Bodade, Samruddhi Deshmukh, Bhavanesh Telkar, Rahul Wankhade, Vishal Kothalkar, Govind Sarada, Riya Taram, and Sheetal Gawande.