Poster and Teaser Launch of the 2nd BLRGMC

“Politics and chess are deeply connected, and chess is a game that reflects the journey of life,” said Assembly Speaker U.T. Khader. He was speaking at the unveiling of the poster for the upcoming Namma Bangalore International Grandmasters Open Chess Tournament, scheduled to be held from April 10 to 18, 2025.

This press event marked a historic milestone, as it was perhaps the first time a chess-centric press release was held within the legislative assembly of a state, with the Hon’ble Speaker and esteemed ministers themselves not only unveiling the tournament poster but also voicing their strong support for the sport. Their presence and commitment underscored the growing recognition of chess as a vital intellectual pursuit, worthy of institutional backing.

Sharing his thoughts, the Speaker remarked, “To move one step forward, sometimes you need to take two steps back — something we learn from chess. Success in life, like in chess, comes from strategy and patience. The game was once considered exclusive to the highly intelligent; today, it has become a tool for children to develop intelligence.”

He also noted that chess plays a key role in building mental strength. “When I took office as Speaker, I was invited to the State Chess Championship, and I had suggested that an international event should be held. That vision is now becoming reality. Young talents like Gukesh Dommaraju have already made India proud on the world stage. I am confident that youth from Karnataka will also reach such heights in the future,” he added.

Speaker Khader further emphasized that chess demands patience and dedication, making it an ideal sport for children and deserving of continuous encouragement. He pointed out that Indian players have carved a niche for themselves globally, and Karnataka is committed to supporting all sports, including chess. This tournament, he said, will help aspiring players make their mark internationally.

Another steadfast advocate for chess, Karnataka’s Deputy Chief Minister, DK Shivakumar, who was also part of this event, recognized the tremendous potential of chess to nurture intellectual growth and holistic personality development in children and students. An avid admirer of chess, he envisions it as a vital tool in shaping Karnataka’s educational and cultural landscape, and his enthusiastic backing of the 2nd Namma Bengaluru Grandmasters Tournament reaffirms his conviction that Bengaluru is poised to emerge as a global hub for the sport.

KKRDB President Dr. Ajay Dharam Singh lauded the initiative, mentioning that 28 countries participated in the first edition of the tournament, and even more nations are expected this time. He recalled that an MLA Cup Chess Tournament for members of the legislative assembly was held last year and congratulated the organizers for consistently hosting such unique events.

Event Organising Secretary Ms. Soumya M.U announced that the tournament will take place from April 10 to 18 at the Koramangala Indoor Stadium, offering a prize pool of ₹55 lakh. The event, organized by the Bangalore International Grandmasters Tournament Committee, will host over 2000 players from 20 countries — including Grandmasters, International Masters, and promising young talents — providing chess enthusiasts with a unique opportunity to witness top-tier competition. The objective is to promote chess and nurture young talent by enabling them to compete with seasoned professionals.

As an ardent believer in the power of chess to inspire intellectual growth and social change, Ms. Sowmya M U envisions a future where chess transcends its traditional boundaries. Under her guidance, The Golden Aura Trust is dedicated not only to nurturing competitive talent but also to fostering an inclusive community where chess serves as a bridge to education, innovation, and community development. Her proactive approach to collaboration—partnering with sports organizations and leveraging global standards—ensures that every initiative under her leadership makes a meaningful impact.

Minister Ramalinga Reddy, Karnataka Olympic Association President and Chief Minister’s Political Secretary Dr. K. Govindaraj, Legislative Assembly Secretary M.K. Vishalakshi, Legislative Council Secretary Smt. R. Mahalakshmi, Team BUDCA and other dignitaries were present. The event concluded with the dignitaries engaging in a friendly game of chess, drawing attention and appreciation from all attendees.