RGUKT-Basar Holds Chess Contest to Boost Student Focus, Confidence
Two-day chess tourney aims to boost focus, discipline, and critical thinking in rural IIIT Basar students
Adilabad: In a bid to improve student concentration and reduce mobile and social media distractions, the Rajiv Gandhi University of Knowledge Technologies (RGUKT), Basar, organised a two-day campus chess tournament on March 6 and 7. The initiative aimed to instill focus, strategic thinking, and self-discipline among students, while also preparing them to face real-world challenges.
The event, held at the IIIT Basar campus, was supported by Hyderabad-based Team Chess Network and GapSkills Learning Solutions. A total of 200 students participated in the six-round Swiss league-format tournament.
Highlighting the purpose of the initiative, RGUKT vice-chancellor Prof. A. Govardhan said, “Chess is not just a game; it trains rural students to develop consistency, strategy, and concentration, which are essential in academics and life.”
As part of the larger vision, the participating students will train local youth in their respective villages during the summer break, helping to promote chess and critical thinking at the grassroots level.
Sudhir Kodati, founder of Team Chess Network, emphasised the transformative impact of chess, calling it a “thought and cultural revolution” for rural students. “We aim to establish chess clubs in villages to support the intellectual growth of children and youth,” he said.
The organisers distributed Rs 26,000 in cash prizes and 50 chess boards to participating students. Akash Kumar emerged as the tournament winner, earning a Rs 10,000 cash prize. Anil Kumar secured the runner-up spot and received Rs 5,000, followed by Sharath Chandra (Rs 2,000) and Karthik (Rs 1,000).
Akash Kumar expressed his gratitude, calling the competition “a great opportunity for rural students to sharpen their thought process and aim higher.”
Team Chess Network representatives Sanjay Gajjala, Hari Sri Ramoju, Rajanna, and Kiran Marreddi, along with RGUKT sports officials Prabhakar Rao, Shyam Babu, and Vasantha, supervised the event.