The third day of the VIT-AP 1st Amaravati International FIDE Rating Chess Tournament 2026 witnessed intense competition as players battled through the sixth round of the prestigious championship. The tournament was graced by Sri Mandipalli Ram Prasad Reddy, Hon'ble Minister for Youth Services, Sports, and Transport, Government of Andhra Pradesh, who attended the event as the Chief Guest.
Addressing the participants, the Hon'ble Minister Sri Mandipalli Ram Prasad Reddy appreciated the enthusiasm, discipline, and strategic thinking displayed by the chess players from across the country. He congratulated VIT-AP University for successfully organizing a tournament of international standards and creating a vibrant platform for budding chess talents.
The Minister remarked that VIT-AP University is an institution of great repute in India and commended the university's efforts in promoting sports alongside academic excellence. He noted that the visionary efforts of Hon'ble Chief Minister Sri N. Chandrababu Naidu in bringing premier educational institutions to Amaravati have transformed the region into a thriving educational hub, making it possible for world-class events such as the Amaravati International Chess Tournament to be hosted here.
Emphasizing the importance of sports in modern education, Sri Ram Prasad Reddy stated that sports play a vital role in maintaining physical fitness, mental well-being, and stress management among students. He highlighted the Andhra Pradesh Government's commitment to sports development, citing the recent recruitment of nearly 400 teachers under the DSC through the sports quota as evidence of the government's support for sportspersons.
The Minister further expressed his aspiration for Andhra Pradesh to emerge as a leading state in chess and stressed that education combined with sports creates well-rounded individuals. "The Government of Andhra Pradesh will continue to encourage sports and support sportspersons. Chess not only sharpens intellectual abilities but also strengthens mental resilience and decision-making skills among students," he said.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr.P. Arulmozhivarman, Vice-Chancellor, VIT-AP University expressed his gratitude to the Hon'ble Minister for encouraging the participants and supporting the promotion of chess in Andhra Pradesh. He stated that VIT-AP University remains committed to nurturing excellence in both academics and sports and is proud to host one of the largest international FIDE-rated chess tournaments in the region.
He emphasized that such events provide young players with valuable exposure and opportunities to compete with highly rated players from across the country and abroad.The tournament continues to attract hundreds of chess enthusiasts and professional players, reinforcing Amaravati's growing reputation as a destination for international sporting and intellectual events.
Sri K.V.V. Sharma, Chairman, Andhra Chess Association, appreciated VIT-AP University for its wholehearted support in promoting chess and creating a world-class platform for players. He said, "The Amaravati International FIDE Rating Chess Tournament is a significant milestone for chess development in Andhra Pradesh.
We are grateful to VIT-AP University for partnering with the Andhra Pradesh Chess Association in hosting this prestigious event. Such initiatives provide valuable exposure to young talents and contribute immensely to Andhra Pradesh's vision of becoming a leading chess destination in India."
Dr. Jagadish Chandra Mudiganti – Registrar, Dr. Khadeer Pasha – Deputy Director –Student welfare of VIT-AP and Dr. Suresh, President, Mr. Jagadish-Secretary Andhra Chess Association were also president on the occasion