Pune is gearing up for the highly anticipated 6th edition of the Late Shri Arvind Dattatray Lele Memorial Rapid Chess Tournament. Organized by Buddhibal Kreeda Trust, the tournament will witness the participation of 130 rated players. Set to take place at the Symbiosis Sports Centre on Sunday, July 9, 2023, the event promises an exciting display of chess prowess and competition.
Tournament Details
Mr. Prakash Kunte, Trustee of Buddhibal Kreeda Trust, revealed that the tournament will be held under the auspices of PDCC (Pune District Chess Circle). Following the Swiss league format, the event will be a test of strategic skills and tactical brilliance. The generous sponsorship of Rs 17,500 by Mr. Harshal Lele, son of Mr. Arvind Lele, has contributed to the successful organization of the tournament.
Prominent Players
Several prominent players have confirmed their entries for the tournament, adding to the anticipation and competitiveness of the event. In Group A, the top-rated players include IM Vikramaditya Kulkarni, FM Soham Phadke, and Sourabh Mhamane. Group B will see players like Vishwajeet Jadhav, Shraddha Pawdekar, and Hrishikesh Devdikar showcasing their skills on the chessboard.
Tournament Organization
The tournament will be conducted under the guidance of Chief Arbiter IA Vinita Shrotri, ensuring fair play and adherence to regulations. Assisting her as the Deputy Chief Arbiter will be FA Shraddha Vichwekar. The tournament will feature two categories: Group A (rated above 1201) and Group B (rated between 1000 and 1200), allowing players of varying skill levels to compete against their peers.
Inauguration and Felicitation
The tournament will commence with a grand inauguration ceremony on Sunday, July 9, 2023, at 9:00 am. Mr. Harshal Lele and Dr. Satish Thigle, the former director of Symbiosis Sports Centre, will inaugurate the event. The ceremony will also include a special felicitation of three exceptional players, Shravani Harpude, Dhanshree Khairmode, and Mihir Sarvade, for their outstanding performances in chess academies throughout the year 2023.
The 6th edition of the Late Shri Arvind Dattatray Lele Memorial Rapid Chess Tournament promises to be an exhilarating event for both players and chess enthusiasts. With a strong lineup of rated players and the dedication of organizers, the tournament showcases the thriving chess culture in Pune. As the participants battle it out on the chessboard, the tournament will undoubtedly provide a memorable experience for all involved.
