Promotion of sports
“The AICFB South Zone Chess Championship for the Visually Challenged”
“The AICFB South Zone Chess Championship for the Visually Challenged” was hosted by Nethrodaya. The Championship was conducted on par with International Standard and is affiliated to “All India Chess Federation for the Blind”. Over 100 Visually Challenged Chess Players from across Southern India actively participated and competed for the Title. Though adapted for the Visually Challenged, rules and regulations are the same as in the original game of chess played universally. It will not only serve as a platform to demonstrate their sporting talent to others but also instill a sense of confidence and help them aspire to scale greater heights. During the inauguration day on 29 th September 2023, we were honored to have the esteemed presence of Thiru R. Prabhakaran, Thiru K. Pandiarajan, and Tmt. Hemlatha Rajan. Commodre R.S. Vasan, Indian Navy (Retd). The valedictory function was held on 1st October 2023, and we were privileged to have Hon’ble Thiru Justice A.D. Jagadish Chandra from the Madras High Court, Thiru R. Prabhakaran, Founder & Chairman of Lincoln Global Law Chambers, Thiru G. Sriram, Managing Trustee of Karma Corps, Thiru. Siva Rama Krishna, Founder of Vidhai Foundation, Thiru Nandakumar, Observer of AICFB, Thiru Srihari L R, International Master, Thiru Ananthu, Renowned Celebrity. We are grateful for their presence and contribution to the success of the event.
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Nethrodaya hosted the South Indian Chess Tournament for the visually challenged, in affiliation with the All-India Chess Federation of the Blind on 30th July 2022. Hundreds of rated chess champions from Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, and Pondicherry. Telangana and Tamil Nadu participated. The tournament was officiated by world-class arbitrators. We strongly believe that this South Indian Level Tournament hosted by Nethrodaya will send a strong message to the International Chess Fraternity that Visually Challenged Chess Players deserve an arena like Chess Olympiad to prove their exemplary skill in this game. The Tournament was inaugurated by the Hon'ble Justice of Madras High Court Thiru. M. Dhandapani. The valedictory function was presided over by Hon'ble Minister Mrs. P. Geetha Jeevan Minister of Social Welfare, Government of Tamil Nadu who gave away the trophies for the winners.
Mr. Bamba Bakya and Mr Sathyaprakash, renowned playback singers, and Ms C. Sathya a, renowned Music Director, graced this historic event.
15.09.2018, Inaugurating the spectacular sporting event, Hon'ble Justice Madras High Court Kumari PT. Asha appreciated Nethrodaya for making such a massive effort to bring together all visually impaired chess masters from across South India. Honourable Minister for Differently Abled Welfare Dr.Saroja and playback singer Prasanna made the valedictory function of the event memorable with their glowing presence. Dr. Saroja spoke in length about the past achievements of Nethrodaya and expressed her immense happiness that Nethrodaya was serving the differently abled people by taking up their genuine concerns to the notice of the Government of Tamil Nadu, and also by extending its own services to the needy. She also distributed the winner's trophy and the prize money of more than Rs.60,000
9th September 2017, Nethrodaya organized a Free South Indian Level Chess Tournament for the Visually Impaired, at Hotel Radha Regent, Chennai. The Event saw the participation of National Level Visually Impaired Chess Champions from the states of Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh. The Tournament, which aimed at promoting the Sporting Talent of the Visually Impaired participants, was inaugurated by Hon'ble Justice Thiru. Rajiv Shakdher. The rules of the Tournament were of National Standards as were the Referees. After several intense Battles of Brains, the Eventful Tournament came to a conclusion with the Prize Distribution and Valedictory Function, which was presided over by the Member Secretary, Sports Development Authority of Tamil Nadu.
26th of August 2016, The event was conducted to identify fresh talent, to provide a platform for the visually challenged budding chess players from rural districts of Tamil Nadu, and to bring their talents to the fore. Justice M.M. Sundaresh of Madras High Court presided over the inaugural function and the trophies were unveiled by Thiru. S. Murugiah IAS., State Commissioner for the Differently Abled Persons, Govt. of Tamil Nadu. The youngest Grandmaster Arvind Chidambaram distributed the prizes to the visually challenged chess champions. We express our sincere gratitude to Mr. R. Srinivasan, Managing Director, Hotel Radha Regent who has been relentlessly supporting us since the beginning by providing us with the venue and food for all the visually challenged participants.
The state-level chess competition was held on 3 August 2013. Chess champions from various districts of Tamilnadu - Tirunelveli, Tuticorin, Madurai, Salem, and Villupuram to name a few, participated passionately this year to win the prestigious State Championship trophy and cash award. Thiru P. Sivasankaran IAS, Secretary to Government, Welfare of Differently Abled Persons, Government of Tamilnadu was our Chief Guest. Mr R Jayabalan, a student of Nethrodaya won the first prize and he was awarded with a trophy and cash prize. This event instilled confidence in the minds of budding chess Champions and also inspired the common man to understand and enjoy the nuances, thrills, and beauty of this game of intelligence and brilliance. The event was supported by Mr. Srinivasan, M.D., Hotel Radha Regent, and was graced by other dignitaries Thiru J.C.D. Prabhakar, President, All India Chess Federation, Tmt Swarnalatha Ravi, M.D., Vasantha Bhavan Hotels India Pvt. Ltd, Kalaimamani S. N. Surendar, renowned playback singer.