Pune, 19th September 2024: A total of 288 entries from 20 districts will compete in the h2e Power System Maharashtra State Under-13 Selection Open & Girls Selection FIDE Rated Chess Tournament. Organized by the Pune District Chess Circle under the aegis of the All India Chess Federation (AICF) and Maharashtra Chess Association (MCA), the tournament will take place at Shree Ganesh Sabhagruha and Ashwamedh Hall, Karve Road, from 20th to 22nd September 2024.

Tournament Director Prakash Kunte stated that the event is sponsored by h2e Power Systems Pvt Ltd and organized by the Pune District Chess Circle. The total prize money for the event is ₹36,000. The competition will be held in two categories: Open Group and Girls Group.

The tournament will be conducted in a Swiss league format across eight rounds, with the latest FIDE rules in effect.

Prominent players who have confirmed their participation include rated players Prathmesh Sherla (2064, Pune), Atharv Soni (2011, Thane), Avirat Chauhan (1941, Pune), Sidhant Salunke (1932, Pune), Hriday Maniar (1847, Mumbai City), Nihira Koul (1764, Pune), Vritika Game (1731, Nagpur), Mysha Perwez (1720, Mumbai Suburbs), Prisha Margaj (1688, Mumbai Suburbs), and Sai Patil (1663, Pune).

A total of five players from the Open and Girls groups will be selected to represent Maharashtra in the forthcoming National Chess Championship, scheduled for 2nd December 2024 in Kolkata. IA Atharva Godbole will serve as the chief arbiter of the tournament.