Hindusthan College of Arts & Science, in collaboration with the Coimbatore Chess Association, commenced the Bharathiar University Intercollegiate Chess Tournament for both Boys and Girls on September 14, 2023, at the College auditorium. This competition will be continued for 3 days using the Swiss method, saw participation from a total of 93 colleges. The team championship will precede the individual championship, where the top 6 winners will qualify for the India Inter-university chess championship.
Ragukumar, District Sports and Youth Welfare Officer, Coimbatore, graced the event as the Chief Guest. Ponnusamy, Principal, Karunanidhi, Physical Director, and Jeeva, Assistant Physical Director of HiCAS were also in attendance. Rangaraj, Head of the Computer Science Department, delivered the welcome address, emphasizing the role of chess in maintaining mental health through long-term memory.
The Principal commended the Department of Physical Education for organizing this competition, noting the growing interest in sports post-COVID. He stressed the importance of introducing sports activities from childhood, highlighting the benefits of regular practice on mental well-being.
Regarding the changing sports landscape in India, he mentioned the shift from cricket and hockey dominance to the rise of sports like chess, football, and badminton, with increased support from both industry and government. He noted that sports are now being treated as a profession in India, with a focus on exercise and psychological counseling.
The Chief Guest highlighted Coimbatore’s significant role in promoting chess and extended his best wishes to the participating students. Karunanidhi, the Physical Director, expressed gratitude and credited the Coimbatore District Chess Association as the backbone of this 12th edition of the Bharathiyar University Chess Competition, the first time hosted at Hindusthan College of Arts & Science.
