Rajya Sabha member highlights role of chess in improving concentration

The Chalapathi University has launched a chess club to promote strategic thinking and intellectual development among students. Rajya Sabha member Bhashyam Rama Krishna and Grandmaster Koneru Humpy inaugurated the club on the university campus in Guntur on Saturday.Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Rama Krishna described it as the institution’s first chess club and said it could serve as a model for other institutions. He emphasised that chess improved concentration, analytical thinking and decision-making abilities.Pro-Chancellor Y. Sujith Kumar said the university had incorporated chess into its curriculum and provided dedicated practice slots for students. Chancellor Y.V. Anjaneyulu said equal importance was given to academics and sports, while Ms. Humpy assured support for developing chess activities. Vice-Chancellor B.V. Chowdary highlighted the game’s role in cultivating patience, focus and strategic thinking.As part of the event an All India Open Rapid Chess Tournament was organised, which attracted 242 players from across the country, including around 96 international-level players.Dhruvesh Dondapati emerged champion, followed by Perecherla Hariram Sai Krishna in second place and Siva Pawan Teja U. in third. K. Raju and R. Aditya secured the fourth and fifth places respectively.The guests distributed cash prizes totalling ₹1,11,999 and certificates to the winners and runners-up and congratulated them. They also wished them success in the upcoming national and international competitions. Published - October 10, 2026 08:54 pm IST