H2e Power System Maharashtra State Rapid and Blitz FIDE Rating Chess Championship 2024 was inaugurated on 26th October 2024 at the hands of Dr. Parinita Fuke, a prominent Social Worker and Ex-Corporator Nagpur in presence of Shri Girish Vyas, President Chess Association Nagpur & VP MCA, Shri Amit Yenurkar, Director, MHK Sancheti Public School & Jr. College, Dr. Vivek Kapoor, Director, Raisoni Group, Shri Bhushan Shriwas, Secretary, Chess Association Nagpur.
The event is in progress at G H Raisoni Skill Tech University, Near MIDC Police Station, Hingna- Wadi Link Road Nagpur. The Championship is being organized by Chess Association Nagpur in association with G.H.Raisoni Sports and Cultural Foundation & Kalpana Prakash Welfare Foundation under the aegis of Maharashtra Chess Association recognized by All India Chess Federation.
H2e Power Systems, Pune are the main sponsors of the event and Pandit Bachharajji Vyas Smruti Pratishthan are the co-sponsor for the event.
The event is being organized for selection of Maharashtra Team for participation in the National Rapid and Blitz Chess Championship to be held later this year.
The Rapid event has attracted 234 entries.
Both Rapid and Blitz championship have the status of FIDE Rating Chess Tournament. Hence the unrated players have a bright chance to get Rapid and Blitz Rating through this championship. Cash Prizes worth Rs. 72000/-(Rs. 36000/- for Rapid and Rs. 36000/- for Blitz) are at stake. In addition, the organisers have decided to award trophies to Top 3 finisher of Under-7,9,11,13 and 15 age group as well as Veteran group. The Blitz event shall be played on 27th October 2024 immediately after the Rapid event.
A team of Arbiters headed by Chief Arbiter IA Ajinkya Pingale from Mumbai duly assisted by FA Shiva Iyer, FA Bharti Dhote, FA Amit Tembhurne, SNA Prayas Ambade, SNA Shrikant Bagde, Shishir Indurkar and Prathamesh Machave are taking care of smooth conduction of the event.