A spirited 15-player contingent, led by Sattwik Swain, contested the Open and Girls events in Pondicherry from 3–9 September 2026
The tournament served as a vital platform for young chess players, showcasing their skills and fostering a spirit of sportsmanship. With competitors of varying skill levels, it offered a rich learning experience for all involved.
Sattwik Swain’s mentorship has been instrumental in developing these young talents.
The atmosphere at the tournament was filled with excitement and anticipation as players from across the nation gathered to compete. Each match was a display of skill, strategy, and determination, highlighting the growth of chess as a competitive sport in India.
Odisha’s emerging chess players delivered a determined showing at the 39th National Under-13 Open and Girls Chess Championships, held at Amalorpavam Higher Secondary School, Vanarapet. The prestigious 11-round Swiss-system tournament, organised by the Pondicherry Chess Association, used the classical time control of 90 minutes plus a 30-second increment from move one. Odisha fielded nine players in the Open section and six in the Girls section.
Many parents and local chess enthusiasts attended the tournament, providing encouragement and support to the young players. This community involvement is essential for nurturing future chess talent and creating a robust chess culture in Odisha.
Open Section: Sattwik Swain Leads the Charge for Odisha’s Young Talents
Sattwik Swain: A Beacon of Inspiration for Young Chess Players
Sattwik Swain’s success is not just a personal achievement but serves as a motivating force for all young chess enthusiasts in Odisha. His leadership on and off the board demonstrates the importance of teamwork and mutual support in achieving excellence.
Sattwik Swain, a Candidate Master, demonstrated exceptional skill throughout the tournament. His performance not only showcased his individual talent but also served as an inspiration for his peers, motivating them to strive for excellence in their own games.
As young players look up to Sattwik Swain, it is essential for the community to foster a vibrant chess culture that encourages participation and growth.
In addition to the competitive aspect, the tournament facilitated networking among young chess enthusiasts, allowing them to connect with peers and mentors in the chess community. These connections can be instrumental in their future chess journeys.
Candidate Master Sattwik Swain produced Odisha’s standout result, scoring 8 points from 11 rounds to finish 16th overall. Rated 2044, he converted his status as the state’s highest-rated entrant into a strong top-20 finish. Manish Mishra and Siddhartha Mallick followed with 6½ points each, while Satya Swarup Tripathy, Sayansh Das and Aadarsh Kumar Beriha all reached the six-point mark.
| Sl | State Rank | AOCA | Name | Rtg | District | Score | National Rank |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 4512 | CM Sattwik Swain | 2044 | Khordha | 8 | 16 | |
| 2 | 1 | 4252 | Manish Mishra | 1767 | Khordha | 6½ | 112 |
| 3 | 27 | 4636 | Siddhartha Mallick | 1547 | Khordha | 6½ | 149 |
| 4 | 6 | 4634 | Satya Swarup Tripathy | 1751 | Khordha | 6 | 169 |
| 5 | 2 | 4363 | Sayansh Das | 1741 | Khordha | 6 | 177 |
| 6 | 4 | 4750 | Adarsh Kumar Beriha | 1753 | Khordha | 6 | 197 |
| 7 | 5 | 5531 | Dibyansu Das | 1611 | Khordha | 5½ | 228 |
| 8 | 8 | 5810 | Barnit Bitan Mohanty | 1497 | Khordha | 5 | 303 |
| 9 | 16 | 5981 | Choudhury Subham Nanda | 1585 | Khordha | 5 | 309 |
Girls Section: Nainika Sahoo Finishes on Seven Points
Nainika Sahoo led Odisha’s campaign in the Girls section with an impressive 7 points and 51st place overall. Amruta Priyalaxmi added 5½ points, while Aksharaa Hanaga and Shreyanshi Chhotaray scored 5 points each. Akshata Mishra finished with 4½ points, and Saradha Bhagya Kamini completed the state’s six-player line-up with 3½ points.
Ultimately, the success of this event underscores the need for continued investment in youth chess programs and tournaments, which can provide young players with the experience and exposure necessary to thrive in the sport.
Furthermore, the community’s support for chess initiatives is growing, with more young players taking up the game. This increasing interest promises a bright future for chess in Odisha, paving the way for even greater achievements on national and international stages.
As the tournament concluded, the players reflected on their experiences, with many expressing gratitude for the opportunity to compete at such a high level. The friendships formed and lessons learned will undoubtedly play a crucial role in their development as chess players.
| Sl | State Rank | AOCA | Name | Rtg | District | Score | National Rank |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 | 4298 | Nainika Sahoo | 1687 | Khordha | 7 | 51 |
| 2 | 10 | 4860 | Amruta Priyalaxmi | 1438 | Khordha | 5½ | 149 |
| 3 | 12 | 5605 | Aksharaa Hanaga | 1485 | Khordha | 5 | 158 |
| 4 | 6 | 3921 | Shreyanshi Chhotaray | 0 | Khordha | 5 | 163 |
| 5 | 25 | 5561 | Akshata Mishra | 0 | Cuttack | 4½ | 189 |
| 6 | 3 | 4405 | Saradha Bhagya Kamini | 1552 | Khordha | 3½ | 230 |
With 15 players competing over seven demanding days, Odisha’s participation reflected the growing strength of its junior chess ecosystem. The leading finishes by Sattwik Swain and Nainika Sahoo were the headline performances, while the wider contingent gained valuable exposure to a high-quality national field. The experience should provide a strong platform as these young players continue their development in forthcoming state, national and international-rating events.
