Organised by JAJPUR UNITED CHESS ASSOCIATION
| Venue | Dharmsala Indoor Stadium, Jaraka, Jajpur |
| Event Code | 484282/OD(S)/2026 | 484283/OD(S)/2026 |
| Rounds / Time Control | 8 / 90 minutes with 30 second increment from move no.1 (90’+30″) |
| Entry Fee | ₹ 700/– (Rupees Seven hundred only.) |
| AICF Registration | https://prs.aicf.in/ |
| Registration link | https://forms.gle/EzejJvTSdcEDyWGe8 |
| Last date of Entry | 05:00 P.M. on 15th July 2026 |
| Late fee | ₹100/- will be charged till 05:00 P.M. on 16th July 2026 |
Congratulations!
| Category | Rank | Name | Rating | District | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| GIRLS | 1 | Nainika Sahoo | 1543 | Khordha | 7½ / 8 |
| GIRLS | 2 | Arnica Dash | 1639 | Khordha | 6½ / 8 |
| OPEN | 1 | Manish Mishra | 1806 | Khordha | 7 / 8 |
| OPEN | 2 | Sayansh Das | 1671 | Khordha | 6½/8 |
The top two (2) players from each category will be selected to represent Odisha State in the forthcoming National (U-13) OPEN & GIRLS Chess Championships will be held from 3rd to 09th September 2026 at Puducherry (National circular not yet published).
The chessboards are set, the clocks are ticking, and Jajpur is buzzing with youthful energy. The Odisha State Under-13 Open & Girls Chess Championship 2026 was inaugurated at the Dharmasala Indoor Stadium, Jajpur, bringing together some of the state’s most promising young chess players for four days of competition, learning, and sportsmanship.
Organized by the Jajpur United Chess Association under the aegis of the All Odisha Chess Association (AOCA), with support from the Department of Sports & Youth Services, Government of Odisha, the championship has drawn 94 participants—60 boys and 34 girls—from 12 districts across Odisha: Balasore, Cuttack, Dhenkanal, Gajapati, Ganjam, Jajpur, Keonjhar, Khordha, Koraput, Mayurbhanj, Sambalpur, and Sundargarh. With 28 rated players in the Open category and 12 rated players in the Girls category, the event became competitive right from the first round.
The inaugural ceremony was presided over by Mr. Tapan Kishore Sarangi, President of the Jajpur United Chess Association. The programme opened with the ceremonial lighting of the lamp, followed by the presentation of bouquets and the introduction of dignitaries.Mr. Rashmiranjan Sahu, Joint Secretary of the Association, welcomed the guests and introduced them to the audience. Mr. Samarendra Sahu, Secretary of the Association, delivered the welcome address and highlighted how the championship can help promote chess in Jajpur district, encourage young talent, and build confidence among aspiring players.
One of the most inspiring messages of the day came from former Association President and senior chess coach Mr. Chaitanya Jena, who described chess as more than just a game. According to him, chess is an art that teaches patience, concentration, foresight, and decision-making—skills that can benefit children far beyond the chessboard.
Mr. Bhavesh Mohanty, Joint Secretary of AOCA and an International Arbiter, noted that chess is gaining steady popularity in Odisha. He pointed out that as young players from the state continue to make their mark at national and international levels, tournaments like this play an important role in shaping their journey.
Distinguished educationist and former Principal of B.S. College, Nuahat, Mr. Pavitra Mohala, spoke about the connection between chess and education. He said the game strengthens mental development, memory, and logical thinking, while also reminding students of the importance of balancing academics with sports.
Chief Guest and social worker Mrs. Minati Sahu encouraged the young participants to approach the tournament with discipline, patience, self-confidence, and a positive mindset. She reminded them that both victory and defeat are part of the learning process, and congratulated the organizers for creating a strong platform for young chess talent.
Contacts
Registration
IA Jyoti Sankar Nanda, 7609099886
Accommodation
Mr. Manoj Kumar Parida, 98612 41621
Organising Committee
Mr. Ashok Kumar Swain, 9040272500
Mr. Abinash Jena, 9937175039
Mr. Sritam Nayak, 9437441988
Mr. Rashmi Ranjan Sahani, 9938215315
Mr. Nagesh Jena, 9853353972
Mr. Debendra Samal, 9437919744
Mr. Nigamananda Mishra, 9439873163
Mr. Ashok Kumar Senapati, 9861795313
Emergency Contact
Mr. Bhabesh Mohanty, Jt. Secretary, AOCA, 9433886372
Mr. Tapan Kumar Sarangi, President, JUCA, 9439118665
Mr. Samarendra Sahoo, Secretary, JUCA, 9972766557
