The Republic Day Open Blitz Chess Tournament 2026 was held at Flag Point on January 25 as part of the 77th Republic Day celebrations, bringing together players for a fast-paced competition conducted over seven rounds. The event was organised by the Directorate of Education in collaboration with the Andaman Nicobar Chess Association, reflecting a joint effort to promote competitive chess among students and youth in the Islands.
The tournament was inaugurated by the Director (Education & Sports), who formally commenced play by making the first move on the top board. The event formed part of the broader Republic Day calendar, linking sporting activity with national observance. Blitz chess, known for its rapid time controls, demands quick decision-making and concentration, making it a popular format for competitive play.
After seven rounds of play, Yuvan Singh secured the first position, followed by Rohan Singh in second place. K. Jaivardhan Rao finished third. The results reflected the outcomes of multiple rounds in which players competed under the fast-paced format, which typically compresses game time and increases pressure on participants to calculate and respond swiftly.
The closing ceremony featured distribution of trophies and medals to the winners. In addition to the top three, the top 20 players in the tournament standings were also felicitated in recognition of their performances. Such recognition is aimed at encouraging wider participation and acknowledging consistent performance across rounds, not only podium finishes.
Chess is often included in school and youth sports calendars as an activity that combines competition with cognitive development. Organisers of the event indicated that sports such as chess contribute to promoting discipline, focus and sportsmanship among participants. By hosting the tournament in connection with Republic Day celebrations, the event sought to integrate intellectual sport with the spirit of the national occasion.
Flag Point, a prominent venue in Sri Vijaya Puram, served as the setting for the tournament. The open format allowed a range of players to take part, creating an environment where experienced and emerging players could compete in the same arena. Collaborative organisation between the Directorate of Education and the chess association underlined the role of institutional partnerships in conducting such events.
Blitz tournaments, because of their shorter duration per game, allow multiple rounds to be completed in a single session. This structure supports ranking players over a series of games, reducing the impact of any single result and highlighting overall consistency. The seven-round format adopted for the event ensured a structured competition leading to clear standings.
The Republic Day tournament forms part of ongoing efforts to integrate sports into student life beyond conventional physical disciplines. By including chess, organisers broaden the spectrum of competitive opportunities available to youth, linking academic environments with organised sporting events. The felicitation of top performers is intended to reinforce continued interest and participation in the game.
