What started as a quiet, rural district with minimal chess activity has now become a vibrant hub for chess excellence. Over the last 15+ years, Krishnagiri has made its mark on the chess map of Tamil Nadu — not through flashy headlines, but through consistent, community-driven progress.
This transformation has been led by the Krishnagiri District Chess Association (KDCA) — a group of passionate individuals committed to building opportunities and platforms for young minds to rise through the ranks.
📍 Humble Beginnings, Big Dreams
The journey began in 2008, shortly after the bifurcation of Dharmapuri district. At that time, Krishnagiri had no major chess infrastructure, barely any players, and very few tournaments. But with the formation of KDCA, led by founder president Mr. Jayapala Chandady, things began to shift rapidly.
He envisioned making chess accessible to every child, no matter their background — and built the foundation for what we now recognize as a model for district-level chess development.
🧠 Building Talent from the Grassroots
One of KDCA’s biggest strengths has been its focus on early-stage training and frequent competitions. Initiatives like the Children’s Monthly Chess Tournament (CMCT) gave kids a platform to play competitively every month, developing both skill and confidence.
Coaching camps, school outreach programs, and mentorship by senior players ensured that children from even remote parts of the district could access quality training and exposure.
🏛️ Hosting Prestigious Events
Krishnagiri didn’t just create players — it also became a reliable host for state and national-level events. With venues like Adhiyamaan College of Engineering in Hosur offering excellent infrastructure, KDCA has successfully organized:
- TN State Under-11 Championship
- National Sub-Junior Championship
- TN State Junior Championship
- National Schools Chess Championship
These events brought top talent and attention to the region, putting Krishnagiri on the competitive chess map.
👏 Recognized by TNSCA
The Tamil Nadu State Chess Association (TNSCA) has recognized KDCA’s contribution repeatedly — for both event execution and consistent grassroots work. This recognition has led to greater support, more tournament opportunities, and deeper collaboration with state-level bodies.
🌠 The Future is Bright
With a generation of well-trained, confident young players emerging, Krishnagiri is no longer just participating in tournaments — it’s winning them. KDCA is also working toward integrating technology, talent tracking, and more inclusive participation in its programs.
💬 Final Word
Krishnagiri’s rise as a chess powerhouse is not an overnight success. It is a story of dedication, inclusion, and long-term vision. Thanks to KDCA, chess is no longer a privilege — it’s a passion that’s accessible to every child in the district.
And this is just the beginning.