KLE TECH Republic Day Cup Chess Tournament Inaugurated
Hubballi, 25/01/2026
The KLE Tech Republic Day Cup, an All India Open FIDE-rated Rapid and Blitz Chess Tournament, was inaugurated on Sunday at the Dr. Prabhakar Kore Sports Arena on the BVB Campus, Vidyanagar, Hubballi.
Dr. Prakash G. Tewari, Honourable Vice-Chancellor of KLE Technological University, inaugurated the tournament and presided over the function. Speaking on the occasion, he emphasised the role of chess in developing analytical thinking, discipline, and intellectual abilities among students.
The programme began with an invocation, followed by a welcome address by Prof. Vijaykumar N, Coordinator of Sports. The Chief Guest was introduced by Ms. Shreedevi Patil, Assistant Director of Physical Education. Dr. Vishwanath P. Baligar, Professor, School of Computer Science and Engineering, proposed the vote of thanks. Dr. Ashok Chikraddi, Coordinator of the FIDE-rated Chess Tournament, and Mr. Mallikarjun Marihal, Assistant Director of Physical Education, were also present.
The two-day tournament, being held on January 25th and 26th Jan 2026 as part of the university’s Republic Day celebrations, has attracted 365 players competing in Rapid and Blitz formats under FIDE norms. Participants include players from across Karnataka and states such as Goa, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, and West Bengal, along with international players from Malaysia and the USA.
KLE Tech hosts All-India FIDE-rated Republic Day Chess Tournament
Hubballi: 26/01/2026
KLE Technological University successfully hosted the KLETECH Republic Day Cup 2026, an All India Open FIDE-rated Rapid and Blitz Chess Tournament, at the Dr Prabhakar Kore Sports Arena on January 26.
The tournament was inaugurated by Dr Prakash Tewari, Vice-Chancellor of KLE Technological University. Chess players from various parts of the country participated, producing high-quality competition across multiple categories.
The prize distribution ceremony was held in the evening with Dr M. P. Baligar, Professor, Karnataka State Akkamahadevi Women’s University, Vijayapur, as the chief guest.
Among those present were Dr Basavaraj S. Anami, Registrar, KLE Technological University. Prof. Vijayakumar N., Coordinator of Sports, KLE Technological University; Dr.V.P Baligar , Dr.Ashok Chikkaredii and Dr.Vijayalkshmi , Sri Vachan V. Baligar, Secretary, Vachana Chess Academy; Sri Rakesh Vatan, Chairman, Rockey Fitness, Hubballi; and.The tournament was organised by KLE Technological University in association with Vachana Chess Academy.
Results
In the Open FIDE-Rated Rapid category, Lad Madar Pradip of Goa secured first place, followed by Kabnurakar Rushikesh of Maharashtra in second place and Ayyappan P. Santhana Prabhu of Tamil Nadu in third. Cash prizes and medals were awarded up to the 30th position.
In the Below 1801 category, Pahal Satyam (Goa) won first place, Prasad N. (Andhra Pradesh) finished second, and Samarth J. Rao (Indian Post) secured third place.
In the Below 1601 category, Shivanagaraj Aiholli (Belagavi) emerged winner, followed by Kulai Siddhant Bhandary (Bengaluru) and Bhuvan Hrishikesh Konnur (Maharashtra).
In the Unrated Category, Prakhar V. Gupta (Uttar Pradesh) claimed first place, Jay Sanjeev Karoshi (Maharashtra) second, and Bibidhendra Lenka (Ballari) third.
The Veteran Category was won by Ramachandra Bhat (Sirsi), with Harish Kashikar (Maharashtra) and Dr Vishwanath Baligar (KLE Tech, Hubballi) finishing second and third respectively.
In the Women’s Category, Swara Lakshmi S. Nair (Bengaluru) secured first place, followed by Chinmayee Sajjan (Dharwad) and Sonia Singhania (Dharwad).
In the KLE Tech Category, Lalita Madanbhavi won first place, while Sunitha Bellary, Sayeda Munshi, and Geeta Sanakki secured subsequent positions.
In age-group events, winners included Aditi Atul Kamat (Goa) in Girls Under-16, Abhiruchi (Shahapur) in Girls Under-14, Naomika R. (Chitradurga) in Girls Under-12, Roa Shivanya (Goa) in Girls Under-10, and Yajwari Tukaram Shetye (Goa) in Girls Under-8.
In the boys’ sections, Tendolkar Tanish (Maharashtra) won Under-16, Omkar Dharigoudar (Belagavi) Under-14, Prasanna Yammi (Haveri) Under-12, Advait Joshi (Belagavi) Under-10, and Shannidhya Dutta (West Bengal) Under-8 categories.
The event highlighted KLE Technological University’s continued efforts to promote chess and competitive sports at the national level.