IIT Madras to host the 6th Shaastra Rapid FIDE Rated Chess Tournament

IIT Madras Promotes Sports and Collaboration Through International Chess Event

'6th Shaastra Rapid FIDE Rated Chess Tournament’ was organised on the 30th and 31st of March 2024 at IIT Madras. The Director of IIT Madras, Professor V Kamakoti stated that by organizing such events and introducing sports quota for UG admissions they are focusing on the broader aspect of giving a holistic experience to their students to evolve and grow more in their respective fields and have an overall enriching experience.

Players from various countries participated in this tournament including six Grandmasters, sixteen International Masters, three Women Grandmasters, and a Women International Master whose presence made this tournament inspiring and exciting for the viewers as well as for students of IIT Madras. Attracting a diverse range of players and more than 35 students from other colleges to participate in this event showcased that the college not only focuses on academics but also gives the utmost importance to sports. 

The total prize fund of the tournament was placed at ₹5,00,000 with the first prize being ₹65,000. The Dean of IIT Madras in his speech highlighted that the focus of this event was to not just be a competition but an event that would encourage collaboration, inspire new ideas and strategies, and bring people together while fostering the spirit of the game, which by the scale and success of the event turns out to be true. 

Editor’s Note:

The holistic experience of enjoying and participating in sports along with the opportunity to meet your favorite sporting star is indeed a treat. The arrangement of the '6th Shaastra Rapid FIDE Rated Chess Tournament' at IIT Madras provided a space for students to relax but also highlighted the college’s commitment to supporting the overall development of students. Skoobuzz would nudge other colleges as well to provide admission to students on sports quota as started by IIT and acknowledge their achievements that are based in fields other than academics. This allows young individuals to explore other fields of interest other than curriculum giving them a better idea of their interests and an increased success rate.