Chessboards filled the Atal Bihari Vajpayee Auditorium in Rangat as 81 players locked horns in the first-ever SP Cup Open Chess Tournament. The event, jointly organised by the North & Middle Andaman District Police and the Andaman Nicobar Chess Association, unfolded across seven competitive rounds.
Contestants of all ages and backgrounds participated in the tournament, bringing an air of strategy and mental discipline to the venue. The format saw players engage in intense matchups, each move carefully timed under ticking chess clocks. The event was marked not only by high-level play but also by the strong sense of community engagement it fostered.
Sanjay Kumar from Mayabunder emerged victorious, claiming the top position after a consistent performance through all rounds. Teenager Sachit Bara finished as runner-up, highlighting the blend of experience and emerging talent showcased at the event. The prizes were awarded by Superintendent of Police Shweta K. Sugathan, who was present to encourage participants and underline the event’s broader goals.
The initiative was backed by the local administration and served as a unique example of sport being used as a medium for outreach. Police officers mingled freely with participants and their families, promoting values such as discipline, patience and analytical thinking, qualities central to both chess and law enforcement.
Organisers viewed the strong turnout as a sign of growing interest in chess across the region. The success of the SP Cup reinforced that niche sports could find enthusiastic followings even outside major urban centres like Sri Vijaya Puram, especially when supported by adequate infrastructure and community intent.
Plans are now underway to expand the initiative. Upcoming ideas include formal rating tournaments and the creation of inter-school circuits that could embed chess more firmly into the islands’ sporting culture. The organisers hope this marks the beginning of a long-term movement that brings cognitive sport to the forefront of youth and community development in North & Middle Andaman.
