Thrissur — 01-11-2026
Theertha A of Alappuzha emerged as the champion of the Kerala State Women's Chess Championship, jointly organised by the State Chess Technical Committee and Chess Thrissur for the Sethuvarma Memorial Trophy at the V.K.N. Menon Indoor Stadium, Thrissur.
Manju Mahesh of Kozhikode secured the runner-up position, while Nandana Mooketh of Ernakulam finished third and Neera Ann Rajan of Kottayam took fourth place. The top four finishers have qualified to represent Keralam in the forthcoming National Women's Chess Championship.
Veda Ravindran of Kannur and Honey Sreechithra of Kollam secured the fifth and sixth positions, respectively.
The prizes were distributed by Chess Thrissur patrons Ajith Kumar Raja and David Mangan.
The concluding function was presided over by State Chess Technical Committee Chairman Jo Parappilly. Prof. N. R. Anilkumar, P. A. Ali, K. S. Preetha, C. T. Augustine, Oshin Anilkumar, Manil V. S., Shwetha Priyan and Maya M. also addressed the gathering.
.. — 29-09-2026
Image & News Courtesy: FIDE
In a remarkable achievement for British chess, 11-year-old chess prodigy Bodhana Sivanandan has become the youngest-ever British Women’s Chess Champion, creating history at the record-breaking 2026 British Chess Championships held at the University of Warwick, Coventry.
Born in London to parents of Indian origin, Bodhana has rapidly emerged as one of the brightest young talents in world chess. Her latest triumph adds another milestone to a growing list of achievements and further strengthens her reputation as one of the most promising young players of her generation.
KOZHIKODE — 27-09-2026
The Ashtapada Chess Club, a new initiative of the Ashtapada Chess Academy, was inaugurated at the S. K. Pottekkattu Cultural Centre, Puthiyara, marking a significant step towards promoting chess among young enthusiasts in the region.
The club was formally inaugurated by Shri P. M. V. Panicker, Secretary of S. K. Pottekkattu Cultural Centre. The inaugural function was presided over by Shri Jyothilal N., Chief Coach of Ashtapada Chess Academy and Candidate Master (CM). The event witnessed the participation of office bearers, chess enthusiasts, students, and members of the public.
A major attraction of the ceremony was a simultaneous chess exhibition (Simul) conducted by Shri Jyothilal N. In the exhibition, he played against 10 players simultaneously, demonstrating both skill and strategic excellence.
The newly formed club aims to foster a greater interest in chess among the younger generation while providing quality coaching, competitive opportunities, and a platform for chess enthusiasts to develop their talents.
Speaking on the occasion, the organizers expressed their commitment to strengthening the chess culture in Kozhikode by conducting regular coaching sessions, tournaments, exhibitions, and other chess-related activities through the club.
Registration for club membership is now open. Interested players and chess enthusiasts can register online at: https://www.ashtapada.chesslovers.in/membership.php
For more information: 9747409318, 9446359982.