Report: War of Knights FIDE Rated School Chess Championship 2024

Date: January 20-25th, 2024

Venue: Swami Vivekananda Institute of Modern Science, Sonarpur

Recognised: FIDE (Fédération Internationale des Échecs), All India Chess Federation, Sara Bangla Daba Sangstha

Introduction:

The War of Knights FIDE Rated School Chess Championship 2024 took place from January 20-25th, 2024, at the Swami Vivekananda Institute of Modern Science in Sonarpur. The tournament was organized under the aegis of FIDE, the All India Chess Federation, and Sara Bangla Daba Sangstha. Despite lacking sponsorship, The Knight Chess Academy (KCA) successfully orchestrated the six-day event with a prize pool of 2.5 lakhs.

Highlights:

- Recognition of Top Schools: The championship recognized the top three schools in Bengal. BDM International emerged as the champion, followed by South Point in second place and DPS Ruby Park securing third place.

- Unrated Players Achieve FIDE Ratings: Remarkably, our four unrated students participating in the tournament earned their FIDE ratings. This event facilitated a significant milestone for chess enthusiasts, with a total of 16 unrated players from Bengal obtaining their first ELO ratings through the War of Knights Championship.

- Technological Advancements: The tournament embraced technological advancements by becoming the first rating tournament in Bengal to display live games on Follow Chess, a popular platform among chess aficionados. Additionally, detailed information and updates about the championship were available on the official website: [The Knight Chess Academy](https://www.theknightchessacademy.in/warofknightschess).

- Excellent Facilities: The organizers ensured a comfortable and conducive environment for players and attendees. Adequate parking provisions, canteen services, and six DGT boards were provided, along with ample playing space spread across three rooms.

Winners:

The championship witnessed intense competition, with the following individuals emerging as the top performers:

1. Champion: Srijan Saha

2. Second Place: Sankalan Shah

3. Third Place: Rishan Debnath

Conclusion:

The War of Knights FIDE Rated School Chess Championship 2024 was a resounding success, showcasing the talent and dedication of young chess players in Bengal. Despite the absence of sponsorship, the event thrived, offering a platform for players to compete and excel. With the achievement of FIDE ratings by previously unrated players and the technological advancements introduced, the championship marked a significant milestone in the regional chess scene. The organizers, participants, and attendees alike contributed to making the event a memorable and impactful one, underscoring the enduring popularity and importance of chess in the educational landscape.