Srians Das (Jajpur) and Rajesh Nayak (Puri) were crowned champions in the Odisha State Rapid & Blitz Chess Championship, which was organized by KT Global School, under the aegis of All Odisha Chess Association (AOCA) at I-Hub, Patia, Bhubaneswar on 25 and 26 February 2024.

Srians won the rapid title with seven points out of a possible eight, while Tapan Badamundi and Prians Das (Jajpur) finished first and second runner-up with seven and 6.5 point respectively.

Rajesh claimed the blitz title with seven points from eight rounds, while Fakir Majhi (Rayagada) and Prians Das (Jajpur) finished first and second runner-up with seven and 6.5 point respectively. The title winners received a cash prize of Rs 3,000 each, while the first and second runner-up were given Rs 1500 and Rs 1000 each respectively.

The champion and runner-up in both the categories qualified to represent Odisha in the National Rapid & Blitz Chess Championship, scheduled to be held in Nasik, Maharashtra from 4 to 6 March 2024.

Around 60 players from 12 districts participated in the two-day championships. AOCA secretary Debabrata Bhatta was the chief guest of the prize distribution ceremony. KT Global School vice-principal Ayesh Baig, AOCA treasurer Sankar Prasad Mishra international arbiter Jyoti Shankar Nanda were present on the occasion.
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PHOTO: Top three prize winners pose with guests and organizing officials at the Odisha State Rapid & Blitz Chess Championships in Bhubaneswar on 26 February 2024.