Hyderabad: Telangana IT Minister Duddilla Sridhar Babu inaugurated the Ekagra International Open Rapid Chess Tournament at Hall No. 2 of the Hitex Exhibition Center in Hyderabad.
Speaking on the occasion, Minister Sridhar Babu stated that chess plays a crucial role in enhancing concentration and intellectual development in children. He emphasized that hard work is essential to excel in this sport and that persistent effort is the only path to success.
He expressed happiness that an international-standard chess tournament is being hosted in Hyderabad. Noting that winning and losing are natural parts of the game, he encouraged players to keep moving forward regardless of the result, assuring them that success would eventually follow. He also urged parents to encourage and support their children’s interests.
Highlights of the Event:
Felicitation: At the start of the program, organizers felicitated Hyderabad-based twins, Amaya Agarwal and Anay Agarwal, who trained at the Ekagra Academy and achieved FIDE ratings.
Prize Money: Telangana Tourism Corporation Chairman Patel Ramesh Reddy, who participated in the event, expressed delight that the tournament is being organized in Telangana with a massive prize pool of Rs. 22,22,222.
Guest Remarks: Nampally constituency leader Feroz Khan congratulated all participants, ranging from children to adults.
The event was attended by Grandmasters, International Masters, coaches, and parents. Other dignitaries included Prime 9 Vice President Lakshminarayana, and Academy Directors Sandeep Naidu, Chaitanya, Girish Reddy, and Soujanya Janu.
