Bhubaneswar, July 20 (Agency) A Professional Chess Training Academy ‘PRO- CHESS -TA’ in Bhubaneswar, was dedicated to the chess enthusiasts of Odisha on the occasion of International Chess Day on Thursday.Odisha Sports Minister Tusharkanti Behera inaugurated the academy, the first of its kind, which has been set up in the state to promote Chess. The Sports and Youth Services Department, All India Chess Federation and Odisha Chess Association are working very closely towards it.On this occasion, the Sports Minister felicitated Padmini Rout, the reigning national women chess champion, with a cash award of Rs.60,000 for her exceptional performance in the 49th National Women’s Chess Championship.Padmini’s remarkable talent and dedication to the game have earned her the prestigious titles of International Master (IM) and Woman Grandmaster, making her a beacon of inspiration for aspiring chess players across the nation. The Professional Chess Training Academy will serve as a milestone facility for Odisha’s commitment towards providing budding chess players an environment to learn, grow and excel.
The institution will be led by Fide Trainer and International Master Satyapragyan, who will mentor the students in developing their talent to a completely new level. The Sports Minister reiterated the commitment to establishing more such sports academies across various disciplines. Joint Secretary of the All India Chess Federation, Ranjan Mohanty expressed his appreciation to the Government of Odisha for their remarkable support and establishment of Professional Chess Training Academy on this International Chess Day. The Chess Academy, located in the heart of the city, has already garnered immense interest from students, parents, and chess enthusiasts across the state, he said. The launch of this academy signals a bright future for chess in Odisha, and it promises to nurture and empower young minds to make their mark in the national and global chess arena, representing Odisha and India.” International Master Satyapragyan Swayangsu said he has never come across a state-of-art academy having all the latest technology as well as a dedicated library for students.