J&K chess association all set to hold online competitions in lockdown

Tribune News Service

Jammu, May 20

After receiving an overwhelming response to an online chess event, the All J&K Chess Association is bracing up to conduct more such events amid the ongoing lockdown.

President, All J&K Chess Association, Atul Kumar Gupta said, “The coronavirus pandemic has caused an unprecedented global crisis. In support of the efforts of national governments and people around the world, the International Chess Federation (FIDE) has decided to promote online international chess initiative, supporting spending long hours at home.”

“The goal of the initiative is also to promote the ideals of unity and solidarity which must be manifested in such challenging times. From May 18 to June 16, FIDE will join forces with major Internet chess platforms to organise more than 2,000 online tournaments," he said, adding that “Checkmate Coronavirus” tournaments will be played at lichess.org, chess.com, chess24.com and FIDE Online Arena.

Gupta said: “Recently, we have seen that despite 2G Internet, more than 170 players participated in the online chess event, which is a great sign. I am sure that in future events, which are to be held till June 16, the participation will increase.”

“J&K chess players have already proven their worth both at national and international events. Now, it is a challenge for them to exhibit their skills in the online chess tournaments,” he said.