Exciting Chess Showdown: 201 Players Compete in the First RAFT All India Open Tournament

Inaugural RAFT Chess Tournament Attracts Enthusiasts

Bhubaneswar: The inaugural RAFT All India Open and Age Group Rapid Chess Tournament 2026 took place at Royal College, organized by the Rotary Club of Bhubaneswar Heritage in collaboration with the RAIE Foundation Trust (RAFT).

The event was officially opened by Rotarian Bishnu Mohan Mohanty, the Chairman of Royal College, alongside Rotarian Dr. Raman Agrawalla, the Tournament Director and Founder of RAIE Foundation Trust, who made the ceremonial first move on the chessboard.

A total of 201 chess players participated, vying for cash prizes totaling Rs 57,000, along with the prestigious Krishna Kumar Mahabir Prasad Agarwal Memorial Trophies.

In the Open category, the top three competitors were awarded trophies and cash prizes of Rs 7,000, Rs 6,000, and Rs 5,000 respectively.

Additionally, over 80 trophies and medals were distributed to the leading ten players in each under-16 age category.

The tournament was overseen by FIDE Arbiter Abhisekh Acharya and directed by Dr. Raman Agrawalla, who also serves as the Managing Trustee of RAIE Foundation Trust.

Participants and their families expressed gratitude towards the Rotary Club of Bhubaneswar Heritage and RAFT for their successful organization of the tournament.