AICS Inter-School Rapid Chess Tournament – Battle of the 64 Squares

Summary
Vidyodaya Public School, Udupi, hosted the AICS Inter-School Rapid Chess Tournament – “Battle of the 64 Squares” on September 12, 2026. The tournament brought together 310 students representing 30 ICSE and CBSE schools from Udupi and surrounding areas. Conducted by FA Sakshath U. K. and the Narayanaguru Chess Academy team, the event provided students with an opportunity to demonstrate strategic thinking, concentration, patience and sportsmanship. The tournament concluded with a valedictory ceremony, felicitation of arbiters and presentation of prizes to the winners and deserving participants.
Key Highlights
Event: AICS Inter-School Rapid Chess Tournament – “Battle of the 64 Squares”
Date: September 12, 2026
Venue: Vidyodaya Campus, Udupi
Host: Vidyodaya Public School, Udupi
Participation: 310 students
Schools Represented: 30 ICSE and CBSE schools
Chief Guest: Sri Sharana Kumara, Principal, Sri Siddhivinayaka Residential School, Hattiangadi
Tournament Conducted By: FA Sakshath U. K., Founder, Narayanaguru Chess Academy, Udupi, and his team
The tournament promoted strategic thinking, concentration, patience and decision-making.
The inauguration included the ceremonial lighting of the lamp and symbolic opening chess moves.
The valedictory ceremony recognised the efforts of the arbiters and honoured the winners and deserving participants.
The event highlighted the importance of chess in developing logical reasoning, problem-solving and sportsmanship.
The successful tournament strengthened Vidyodaya Public School's commitment to sports and co-curricular excellence.
Vidyodaya Public School had the privilege of hosting the AICS Inter-School Rapid Chess Tournament – “Battle of the 64 Squares” on September 12, 2026, at the Vidyodaya Campus. The tournament brought together young chess enthusiasts from various schools, providing them with a valuable platform to showcase their strategic skills, concentration, patience and competitive spirit.
The tournament was inaugurated by the esteemed Chief Guest, Sri Sharana Kumara, Principal, Sri Siddhivinayaka Residential School, Hattiangadi. He, along with Sri U. Padmaraj Acharya, Treasurer, Management Committee, and our Principal, Mrs. Anitha P. Raj, ceremoniously lit the lamp, marking the auspicious commencement of the tournament. The inauguration was followed by a few symbolic chess moves by Sri Sharana Kumara and Sri U. Padmaraj Acharya, setting the stage for an exciting day of competition.
AICS Inter-School Rapid Chess Tournament
The tournament was expertly conducted by FA Sakshat U.K., Founder, Narayanaguru Chess Academy, Udupi, with the assistance of his dedicated team. Their efficient coordination and systematic conduct ensured that the tournament progressed smoothly and successfully.
The event witnessed an impressive participation of 310 students representing 30 ICSE and CBSE schools from Udupi and surrounding areas. The young players displayed remarkable focus, confidence, strategic thinking and sportsmanship throughout the competition. The closely contested matches reflected the growing interest and enthusiasm among students towards chess as a sport that develops logical reasoning, decision-making and problem-solving abilities.
The tournament was conducted in a disciplined and well-organised manner, with the active cooperation of participating schools, teachers, officials, organisers and volunteers. The positive response from the participating schools and attendees added to the success of the event.
The Valedictory Ceremony marked the culmination of the tournament. The Guest of Honour was President Sri N. Nagaraj Ballal along with Treasurer Sri U. Padmaraj Acharya, Chief Arbiter FA Sakshath U. K. and Principal Smt. Anitha P. Raj.
On this occasion, Chief Arbiter FA Sakshath U. K., Deputy Chief Arbiter FA Soundarya U. K. and all the arbiters were felicitated for their efficient conduct of the tournament. The dignitaries presented prizes to the victorious teams and deserving participants. The winners were applauded for their commendable performances, while all the participants were appreciated for their enthusiasm and sporting spirit.
The AICS Inter-School Rapid Chess Tournament – “Battle of the 64 Squares” was not merely a competition but also an enriching experience that encouraged students to think critically, remain patient, make thoughtful decisions and embrace both victory and defeat with grace.
The successful organisation of the tournament was a result of the meticulous planning, teamwork and dedicated efforts of the School Management, Principal, teachers, officials, support staff and all those involved. The event concluded on a highly successful note, leaving the participants with memorable experiences and further strengthening Vidyodaya Public School’s commitment to nurturing excellence in sports and co-curricular activities.
Juniors Board Prize | |||
Board | Name | School Name | Pts |
1 | Gagan Mohan Banjan | GREEN PARK CENTRAL SCHOOL HIRIADKA | 5 |
2 | Shiven S Shet | VIDYODAYA PUBLIC SCHOOL UDUPI | 4½ |
3 | Darsh Shenoy | VIDYODAYA PUBLIC SCHOOL UDUPI | 5 |
4 | Vikyath Madyastha | SRI SIDDHIVINAYAKA RESIDENTIAL SCHOOL HATTIANGADI | 4½ |
5 | Mohammad Huwaiz | AL-IBAADAH INDIN SCHOOL UDUPI | 2½ |
Juniors 1st Runner Up | |||
SRI SIDDHIVINAYAKA RESIDENTIAL SCHOOL HATTIANGADI | 9 | ||
# | Name | Pts | |
1 | Uthsav B P | 4 | |
2 | Arav S Shetty | 3½ | |
3 | Siri G Kamat | 1½ | |
4 | Vikyath Madyastha | 4½ | |
5 | Shashi Bhushan |
| |
Juniors Champion | |||
VIDYODAYA PUBLIC SCHOOL UDUPI | 9 | ||
# | Name | Pts | |
1 | Bhat Dhruv | 4 | |
2 | Shiven S Shet | 4½ | |
3 | Darsh Shenoy | 5 | |
4 | Suchen S Poojary | 4 | |
5 | Gowrishankar G |
| |
Seniors Board Prize | |||
Board | Name | School Name | Pts |
1 | Aison Chris Menezes | ST CECILY'S ENGLISH MEDIUM HIGHER PRY SCHOOL UDUPI | 5 |
2 | Aneesh S C | MADHAVA KRIPA SCHOOL MANIPAL | 5 |
3 | Madhwa Vyasaraja Tantry | VIDYODAYA PUBLIC SCHOOL UDUPI | 5 |
4 | Aniketh G Kundar | GURUKUL PUBLIC SCHOOL KUNDAPURA | 5 |
5 | Lohith U Poojary | LITTLE ROCK INDIAN SCHOOL BRAHMAVAR | 3½ |
Seniors 1st Runner Up | |||
LITTLE ROCK INDIAN SCHOOL BRAHMAVAR | 8 | ||
# | Name | Pts | |
1 | Aarnav Singh |
| |
2 | Atharva | 4 | |
3 | Aradhya S Shetty | 5 | |
4 | Pranaam S Ballal | 4 | |
5 | Lohith U Poojary | 3½ | |
Seniors Champion | |||
VIDYODAYA PUBLIC SCHOOL UDUPI | 10 | ||
# | Name | Pts | |
1 | Manyu Vyasaraja Tantry | 4½ | |
2 | Anvay A Kamath | 3 | |
3 | Madhwa Vyasaraja Tantry | 5 | |
4 | Sathwik G S | 4 | |
5 | Diya G |
| |
Senior Secondary Board Prize | |||
Board | Name | School Name | Pts |
1 | Adithya R Pillai | MADHAVA KRIPA SCHOOL MANIPAL | 4 |
2 | Atharva Deeparaj Hegde | MADHAVA KRIPA SCHOOL MANIPAL | 4 |
3 | Bhavin Chandrashekar Padedka | MADHAVA KRIPA SCHOOL MANIPAL | 4 |
4 | Shaan | MADHAVA KRIPA SCHOOL MANIPAL | 4 |
5 | Mohammed Raahil | GREEN VALLEY INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL | 1 |
Senior Secondary 1st Runner Up | |||
ST MARY'S ENGLISH MEDIUM SCHOOL UDUPI | 7 | ||
# | Name | Pts | |
1 | Ryan Alvares | 3 | |
2 | Anas Zakir Ismail | 2½ | |
3 | Justin Fernandes | 2 | |
4 | Tarun S K | 2 | |
5 | Mohammed Rayhan Hussain |
| |
Senior Secondary Champion | |||
MADHAVA KRIPA SCHOOL MANIPAL | 9 | ||
# | Name | Pts | |
1 | Adithya R Pillai | 4 | |
2 | Atharva Deeparaj Hegde | 4 | |
3 | Bhavin Chandrashekar Padedka | 4 | |
4 | Shaan | 4 | |
5 | Ritwik S Tantry |
| |




