Odisha Sports Minister Inaugurates Professional Chess Training Academy ‘PRO- CHESS –TA’

Bhubaneswar: On the occasion of International Chess Day, Odisha Sports Minister Tusharkanti Behera inaugurated the Professional Chess Training Academy ‘PRO- CHESS -TA’ in Bhubaneswar, today and dedicated it to the chess enthusiasts of the state.

It is a notable initiative as it is the first chess academy that has been set up in the state to promote Chess and Sports and Youth Services Department, All India Chess Federation and Odisha Chess Association are working very closely towards it.

On this occasion, the Sports Minister felicitated Padmini Rout, the reigning national women chess champion, with a cash award of Sixty Thousand Rupees for her exceptional performance in the 49th National Women’s Chess Championship. Padmini’s remarkable talent and dedication to the game have earned her the prestigious titles of International Master (IM) and Woman Grandmaster, making her a beacon of inspiration for aspiring chess players across the nation and ‘PRO- CHESS -TA’ aims to nurture many more chess players like her.

The Professional Chess Training Academy will serve as a milestone facility for Odisha’s commitment towards providing budding chess players an environment to learn, grow and excel. The institution will be led by Fide Trainer and International Master Satyapragyan, who will mentor the students in developing their talent to a completely new level.

Speaking at the inauguration about the government’s vision for sports development, Sports Minister Tusharkanti Behera reiterated the commitment to establishing more such sports academies across various disciplines.

He said, “I am delighted to inaugurate the Professional Training Chess Academy. We have conducted several programs earlier to promote Chess and the response from children and parents were very encouraging. This along with the performance of our elite players at the national and international level has boosted us to set up this academy.”

“We are guided by our visionary Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, and through such initiatives we are trying to create a platform for Odisha’s chess players to shine at the national and international stages, bringing pride to our state and country. I extend my gratitude to everybody who is working towards making this vision a reality.”

Padmini Rout shared, “This is a great development for chess in Odisha. Those who are passionate about chess in the region will have a support system to guide them while they strive to pursue excellence in the game. I am grateful to the Government of Odisha for felicitating me today and forever supporting me in my journey and also giving aspiring Chess players this opportunity.”