Odisha player Jagdish Barik finished first runner-up in Category-B (Below 1900 rating) of the 15th KIIT International Chess Festival, which was held at Viswanathan Anand International Chess Hall, KIIT Campus, Bhubaneswar from 2 to 5 December 2024. He secured eight points from 10 rounds to pocket the second prize of Rs 75,000.

Abhirup Saikia, from Assam, emerged champion with 9.5 points. He received a cash award of Rs 1 lakh. Piyush Kumar, from Bihar, claimed the 2nd runner-up prize of Rs 60,000, scoring eight points. A total of 268 players from five countries participated in the Category-B event, which carried a prize fund of Rs 15 lakh.

Association of Indian Universities (AIU) Joint Secretary (Sports) Dr Baljit Singh Sekhon was the chief guest of the prize distribution ceremony. All Odisha Chess Association president GC Mohapatra, All India Chess Federation Events Committee member Ranjan Mohanty, chief arbiter Vasanth BH, deputy chief arbiter Bhabesh Mohanty, tournament director IM Sekhar Sahu and KIIT Director General (Sports) Dr Gaganendu Dash were present on the occasion.

The 15 edition of the KIIT International Chess Festival, featuring competition in three categories, offers a total prize fund of Rs 60 lakh. The next event, which is Category-C (Below 1700 rating), will take place from December 6 to 9, carrying a prize fund of Rs 15 lakh. Meanwhile, Category-A (Open), which is underway from December 2 with a prize fund of Rs 30 lakh, will conclude on December 9.
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PHOTO: Top three prize winners of Category-B pose with guests and organising officials at the 15th KIIT International Chess Festival in Bhubaneswar on 5 Dec 2024.