The club aims to promote the game and provide infrastructure for state-level
and inter-club tournaments. It provides a platform for youngsters
to pick up the rudiments of the game and practice.
It was founded in 1985 by former national junior champion Sai Prakash.
The first Secretary of the club was Sri Hari. In 1993, N.S.S.
Sastry took over as the Secretary of the club. "For the past
eight years, I've been working to promote the game to the best of
my ability," says Sastry.
The club conducts four tournaments in a year. Anyone with a basic
knowledge of playing chess can participate in the following tournaments:
Tal Memorial Tournament
Vasanth Babu Memorial Tournament
Alekhine Memorial Tournament
Botvinnik Memorial Tournament
These tournaments are run by donations and sponsorships. "We are
facing a lot of financial problems. We need strong financial help.
At present, Wipro is sponsoring the GM (Grand Master)
tournament to be held at the end of this month at Hyderabad. If some
companies like these come forward, they will be helping the game in
a big way."
It is surprising to know that Karnataka has not produced a
GM so far. A GM participates in international competitions
and competes with GMs from all over the world. This kind of exposure
gives participants an opportunity to hone their skills. How does one
become a GM? "Let me tell you, it's the individual's capacity that
really counts. We only teach the techniques. GMs are very alert. Vishwanathan
Anand, the great GM of India is an Hon. Member of our club. If
you are a GM, you require lot of techniques under your sleeve."
Chess is not popular with the masses, unlike cricket or soccer. It's
a game of the mind. "Yes, it is not a spectator sport. It's more
of a player sport. Yet, there are chess enthusiasts who enjoy the
game, and these fans have kept the game alive."
Nowadays, playing chess with the computer is more challenging. "Fritz
- the chess software, is excellent. It really tests the potential
of the opponent."
The club had earlier conducted coaching camps for youngsters. "Raja
Ravi Shekar, a former national champion used to conduct the camps.
Zulfikar Ahmed coaches in the club."
Annual Membership fee: Rs 100/-
Address: III Floor, State Youth Centre,
Nrupathungs Road,
Bangalore - 560 002.
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