Chess Tournament Promotes Anti-Drug Message Among Youth

The three-day tournament is being organised jointly by VIT-AP University and the Andhra Pradesh Chess Association.

Andhra Pradesh EAGLE chief and IGP Aake Ravi Krishna and AP state women’s commission chairperson Dr Rayapati Sailaja attended the inaugural programme as chief guests and encouraged youngsters to pursue sports and other constructive activities.

Addressing the participants, Ravi Krishna said the state government had launched the EAGLE anti-narcotics initiative and intensified efforts to curb ganja and drug abuse. Giving the slogan, “No Drugs Bro – Play Chess Bro,” he said chess helps develop discipline, concentration and positive values among young people.

He cited an instance of a Vijayawada youth whose drug addiction led to imprisonment and cautioned students against substance abuse and negative influences. He also called upon chess players to become ambassadors of the anti-drug campaign and said EAGLE would collaborate with the Andhra Pradesh Chess Association to spread awareness across the state.

Dr Sailaja said the tournament was a matter of pride for Amaravati and observed that chess promotes patience, strategic thinking and self-discipline. Referring to Indian chess player Koneru Humpy, she said the sport encourages qualities that contribute to personal and professional success.

EAGLE SP Swaroopa Rani administered an anti-drug pledge to the participants. A friendly chess match between Ravi Krishna and Dr Sailaja was among the highlights of the inaugural programme.