The Asian Junior Chess Championships (Open & Girls) was started today quietly at the Citrus Hotel Waskaduw with the participation of a total of 55 players from 6 countries namely, Sri Lanka, India, Iran, Maldives, Kazakhstan and United Arab Emirates. The small Opening Ceremony was held with the participation of Mr. Luxman Wijesuriya, the president of Chess Federation and Mr. Casto Abundo, The Executive Director of the Asian Chess Federation address the gathering virtually. While pointing out the importance of the event he said that this is the only major event of Asian Chess Federation held as over the board except the Asian Senior Chess Championships 2021 which is in progress now in Syria and specially thanked the Chess Federation of Sri Lanka for coming forward to organizing the event in such a difficult time. He also thanked all the participating Federations.

India has fielded a strong team, five players in open, including 4 strong International masters, Mitrabha Guha (2509), Srihari Raghunandan (2448), GB Harshavardan(2384) and Vardaan Nagpal (2384). Iran has fielded 4 players with Golami Mehdi (2425). Sri Lanka is led by FIDE Master Ranindu Dilshan Liyanage(2300) of Ananda College with FIDE Master Susal De Silva(2131, Nalanda College) & FIDE Master Sasith Nipun Piyumantha (2214, Dharmasoka College)

In the Girls event India has fielded 2 Women International Masters, Shri Savitha (2281) & K Priyanka (2218) while Iran is in the number 3 slot with Women FIDE master Mahdian Anousha (2212). Sri Lankan challenge is led by the two Women Candidate Masters Niklesha Tharushi( 1711, Visakha Vidyalaya) and Sanudula Dahamdi (1653, Musaeus College).

The Asian Junior Chess Championships 2021 which is conducted by the Asian Chess Federation is organized by the Chess Federation of Sri Lanka from 17th to 23rd December 2021 at Citrus Hotel, Waskaduwa, Sri Lanka. The events are for the age group of under 20 years of age and will be held according to the Swiss System in 9 rounds. This is the most prestigious Chess event for under 20 years players in Asia. The most of the countries were not in a position to send players due to various regulations of COVID 19.

The International Chess Federation is offering a Grandmaster norm and an International Master title for the Gold Medalists while the next two players if tied in points with the top player gets IM titles and otherwise gets IM norms.

Asian Girls Chess Championship 2021
Link: https://view.livechesscloud.com#1d2fce85-a004-410d-93e5-a485328ef4dd

Stay Safe! Enjoy Chess!
Luxman Wijesuriya