Amaravati: Andhra Pradesh Director General of Police (DGP) Harish Kumar Gupta, a 1992-batch IPS officer, on Monday inaugurated the International FIDE Rating Chess Tournament at the VIT-AP University campus in Amaravati. The prestigious tournament is being jointly organised by VIT-AP University and the Andhra Pradesh Chess Association and will continue until June 8.
The event has attracted chess players from across India and abroad, further strengthening Amaravati’s growing reputation as a destination for intellectual and sporting excellence.
Amaravati Emerging as a Hub for Chess
Addressing participants at the inauguration ceremony, DGP Harish Kumar Gupta said Amaravati is steadily emerging as a meeting point for chess minds from across the country and around the world.
He observed that the hosting of an international chess tournament reflects the city’s transformation into a centre of intellectual excellence and knowledge-driven development.
According to Gupta, the participation of players from different regions and countries demonstrates the increasing importance of Amaravati on the global chess map.
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Chess is More Than a Sport: DGP
Highlighting the significance of the game, Gupta described chess as much more than a competitive sport.
He said chess represents discipline, intelligence, strategic thinking, patience and talent, qualities that are equally important in leadership, governance and nation-building.
The DGP noted that chess originated in India before spreading across the world and becoming one of the most respected intellectual sports globally.
He remarked that it is fitting for India, the birthplace of chess, to host international-level competitions that celebrate the game’s rich heritage and modern relevance.
Tournament Reflects Aspirations of Swarna Andhra-2047 and Viksit Bharat
Gupta stated that the International FIDE Rating Chess Tournament embodies the spirit of the state’s long-term development vision under ‘Swarna Andhra-2047’ as well as the national vision of ‘Viksit Bharat’.
According to him, the event showcases India’s growing confidence, aspirations and commitment to excellence across diverse fields, including sports and education.
He expressed confidence that some of the young participants competing in the tournament could eventually rise to become Grandmasters and world champions.
Call for Building a Strong Chess Ecosystem in Andhra Pradesh
The Andhra Pradesh DGP emphasized the importance of developing a robust chess ecosystem within the state.
He said Andhra Pradesh possesses immense potential to nurture future chess champions and can emerge as a leading centre for the promotion of the sport.
Encouraging institutions, sporting bodies and stakeholders to work together, Gupta stressed that sustained investment in training, infrastructure and talent development would help create a strong foundation for future success.
Amaravati’s Transformation into a Knowledge-Driven City
During his address, Gupta also highlighted the broader transformation taking place in Amaravati.
He described the capital city as a rapidly evolving knowledge-driven urban centre that is attracting educational institutions, innovation initiatives and intellectual events.
The DGP expressed hope that Amaravati would soon develop into a futuristic “Quantum Valley” and gain recognition as a globally respected knowledge and innovation hub.
According to him, such developments would complement the city’s emergence as a destination for academic excellence, technology-driven growth and intellectual pursuits.
Tournament to Continue Till June 8
The International FIDE Rating Chess Tournament will continue until June 8 at the VIT-AP University campus.
The event is being jointly organised by VIT-AP University and the Andhra Pradesh Chess Association, bringing together players from different regions and providing an important platform for competitive chess.
With participation from national and international players, the tournament is expected to contribute significantly to the promotion of chess in Andhra Pradesh while enhancing Amaravati’s profile as a centre for sports, education and innovation.
As the competition unfolds over the coming days, organizers and participants alike hope the tournament will inspire a new generation of chess players and further strengthen India’s legacy in the game that originated on its soil.
