In a bid to promote chess in the state, Odisha Sports Minister Tusharkanti Behera marked International Chess Day on Thursday by unveiling the first Professional Chess Training Academy, named PRO-CHESS-TA, in Bhubaneswar.Attended the inaugural ceremony of the Professional Chess Training Academy PRO-CHESS-TA at Nayapalli, Bhubaneswar.The Govt. of Odishas discerning choice to establish this specialised institution solely dedicated to chess training is truly commendable.#OdishaForSports pic.twitter.com/IyQ7f1iwXa— Tusharkanti Behera (@btushar02) July 20, 2023Speaking at the academys inauguration, Behera said, “I am delighted to inaugurate the Professional Training Chess Academy. We have conducted several programs earlier to promote Chess and the response from children and parents were very encouraging. This along with the performance of our elite players at the national and international level has boosted us to set up this academy.“We are guided by our Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, and through such initiatives we are trying to create a platform for Odishas chess players to shine at the national and international stages, bringing pride to our state and country. I extend my gratitude to everybody who is working towards making this vision a reality.”The PRO-CHESS-TA academy, which was dedicated by the Sports Minister to all the chess enthusiasts in Odisha, will provide budding chess players with an environment to learn and excel in the game.Chess is a powerful way to learn. A game of minds. Indeed a delight & challenging face of with International Master & women grand master, @acciochess. True inspiration & a symbol of women empowerment. All the best for your future endeavours.Happy #InternationalChessDay!! pic.twitter.com/cDXjCB3S7B— Tusharkanti Behera (@btushar02) July 20, 2023The academy, which is a joint initiative by the All India Chess Federation (AICF) and Odisha Chess Association, will be led by International Chess Federation (FIDE) Trainer and International Master Satyapragyan Swayangsu.“In my entire professional career never have I come across a state of art academy having all the latest technology as well as a dedicated library for students. I want to thank the government of Odisha for confiding in me such a massive and important responsibility for supporting Odisha talent and making them masters of chess,” IM Swayangsu said in the inauguration ceremony.Odisha Sports Minister felicitates Woman Grandmaster Padmini Rout for inspiring chess playersIn the inauguration event, Sports Minister Behara felicitated the reigning national womens chess champion Padmini Rout, who is an International Master (IM) and a Woman Grandmaster. Rout was presented with a cash prize of ₹60,000 for winning the 49th National Womens Chess Championship.Sports Minister Shri @btushar02 felicitated IM & WGM @acciochess with a cash award of Sixty Thousand Rupees for winning the 49th National Womens Chess Championship. #OdishaForSports pic.twitter.com/Afxgn3hAXm— Odisha Sports (@sports_odisha) July 20, 2023“This is a great development for chess in Odisha. Those who are passionate about chess in the region will have a support system to guide them while they strive to pursue excellence in the game. I am grateful to the Government of Odisha for felicitating me today and forever supporting me in my journey and also giving aspiring Chess players this opportunity,” Rout said at the inauguration event.IM @acciochess believes the inauguration of the Professional Chess Training Academy in Odisha marks a significant milestone for the chess community in the state, providing a much-needed support system for passionate players to excel in the game.#OdishaForSports pic.twitter.com/KAy0rKj7TV— Odisha Sports (@sports_odisha) July 20, 2023
