The Business Bytes
THEBUSINESSBYTES BUREAU
BHUBANESWAR, APRIL 7, 2025
In a thrilling culmination to the 18th National Chess Championship for the Visually Challenged, Gujarat’s Darpan Irani emerged as the new national champion, edging out multiple-time title holder Kisan Gangolli in a nail-biting tie-break after both players concluded the tournament with 7.5 points each.
The prestigious championship, hosted at the SAI International Residential School in Bhubaneswar, showcased a remarkable display of strategy and resilience as 54 top players (52 men and 2 women) from 15 states and union territories competed under the banner of the All India Chess Federation for the Blind (AICFB) and the Odisha Chess Association for the Visually Challenged (OCAVC).
The top five performers who stood out with their exceptional gameplay were Darpan Irani, who claimed the Champion’s title; Kisan Gangolli, the Runner-Up; Aryan B Joshi, who secured Third Place; Soundarya Pradhan, who finished Fourth; and Milind Samant, who placed Fifth. Players ranked sixth to tenth were also recognized for their commendable performances with rewards and accolades.
A grand felicitation ceremony held during the event added a spiritual and emotional depth to the championship. Renowned scholar, humanitarian, and spiritual thinker Chandra Bhanu Satpathy honoured the players and lauded their unwavering dedication and intellect. He remarked, “It is a real inspiration to see the unshakeable will and intellectual acumen of these talented players. Chess is a game, but it is also a showcase of strategy, patience, and perseverance – attributes these champions have upheld in the face of adversity. This championship is a strong reminder that the greatest strength is in the mind and spirit.”
Among those felicitated were internationally acclaimed players Soundarya Pradhan, Kisan Gangolli, Aryan B Joshi, and Darpan Irani, all of whom have brought glory to India at major international tournaments such as the World Team Championship 2022 and the Asian Para Games.
The prize distribution ceremony was graced by Deepankar Mohapatra, Director, Department of Sports & Youth Services, alongside tournament officials M Manjunath, who served as Chief Arbiter, supported by K R Pradhan and Pinky Mohapatra, as well as Amitabh Agnihotri, Principal of the host school.
The championship not only celebrated excellence in chess but also stood as a powerful tribute to the determination, intellect, and spirit of India’s visually challenged sporting community.
