KATHMANDU, May 15: Kathmandu Metropolitan City Ward 4 is set to organize the First U-12 and U-16 Chess Tournament from Friday. The event is to be managed by Makhan Chess Club, an internationally recognized organization.
Speaking at a press meet held in Kathmandu on Tuesday, the organizers informed that the tournament, which runs till May 19, will have three categories: U-12 boys, U-12 girls, and U-16 boys and girls.
Asian Zonal chess championship from March 18
Ward Chairman Bal Krishna Shrestha said that the tournament is being organized since the age-level chess is very rarely played in the country. He also hoped that the players, as well as their parents, will be encouraged with the inclusion of prize money in the event -- a rarity for age-level tournaments.
All the winners of the categories will be rewarded with Rs 30,000 each, while the runners-up will take home a cash prize of Rs 15,000 each. The organizers confirmed that the third-placed players will receive Rs 10,000 each and the best player of all three categories will receive Rs 5,000 each.
Tournament coordinator Sujendra Shrestha said that the best player of the tournament of all the categories will be chosen excluding the three medalists. The tournament will be played according to the Swiss league seven rounds, as per FIDE laws of chess. The players have to pay Rs 500 for participation.
