Mysuru: H.M. Ramith from Shree Sharada Devi Andhara Vikasa Kendra, Shivamogga and Keerthi Shivappa Kumbar from Maheshwari Blind School, Belagavi, triumphed in the Open and Girls’ Categories respectively, at the State-level Chess Tournament for Children with Visual Impairment.

The event, organised by the Bengaluru-based EquiBeing Foundation in collaboration with the Department for the Empowerment of Differently Abled and Senior Citizens, Government of Karnataka and the Karnataka State Chess Association for Visually Challenged, was held at Nanjaraja Bahadur Choultry in Mysuru.

RESULTS

Open Category: H.M. Ramith secured first place with a stellar performance, followed closely by Sangamesh from Shree Sharada Devi Andhara Vikasa Kendra, Shimoga, who took second place. Sukrut Yankappa Yalaghati from Maheshwari Blind School, Belagavi, finished in third place.

Girls Category: Keerthi Shivappa Kumbar displayed exceptional skill and determination to clinch the top spot. Ramya Ganesh Lamani and Kavita Ravi Madivalar, both from Maheshwari Blind School, Belgavi, secured second and third places respectively.

D. Sudhanva, Managing Director and CEO of Excelsoft Technologies, congratulated the winners and all participants for their impressive performances. He also commended the efforts of the organisers for creating an inclusive platform for visually impaired children to showcase their talents.

V. Ananthalakshmi, CEO of EquiBeing Foundation, expressed her gratitude to all participants, referees, volunteers, and her team, thanking them for their collective effort in ensuring the success of the tournament.

Earlier, the two-day event was inaugurated by Bhaskar Nayak, Assistant Director of the Department of Youth Empowerment and Sports (DYES).

A total of 54 students with visual impairments from various blind schools across Karnataka participated in the event, which aimed to crown the first State Chess Champion among children with visual impairments.

A specially designed adaptive chess boards, featuring tactile markings that allow players to feel the positions of the pieces, was used. Expert referees from the Karnataka State Chess Association for the Visually Challenged oversaw the matches to ensure fairness  and accuracy.