In the world of chess, consistency is key — not just on the board, but in the way opportunities are created for young minds to grow. The Children’s Monthly Chess Tournament (CMCT), an initiative by the Krishnagiri District Chess Association (KDCA), stands as a shining example of this belief.
For over 200 consecutive months, CMCT has been conducted without fail — a rare and remarkable feat in the Indian chess community. But beyond the number lies a story of vision, dedication, and a quiet revolution in the making.
♟ The Beginning: One Man, One Vision
Back in the early 2000s, Krishnagiri was not known for its chess culture. But one man — Mr. Jayapala Chandady, a passionate chess enthusiast — saw the untapped potential in children from this region. With no financial support, he began offering free chess classes for underprivileged children, believing that every child deserves a chance to think, compete, and excel.
CMCT was born from this vision — a platform where children could regularly play, learn, and grow in a competitive yet friendly environment.
📆 The Power of Consistency
Month after month, CMCT has been held with commitment — rain or shine. Even when faced with challenges like limited resources, school exam schedules, or weather disruptions, the event has never missed a month.
This unwavering consistency has helped:
- Build strong player discipline
- Create a community culture around chess
- Act as a launchpad for many players who now compete at the state and national levels
🌱 A Cradle for Talent
Many top-performing players from Krishnagiri today took their first steps on the chessboard at CMCT. The tournament format, which welcomes beginners while encouraging competitive spirit, has made it an ideal training ground.
From age 6 to 16, CMCT has provided a safe, nurturing space for kids to challenge themselves and evolve, both on and off the board.
🏅 More Than a Tournament
CMCT is not just a series of tournaments — it is a movement. A symbol of what’s possible when passion meets persistence. It has taught players life lessons: the value of patience, strategy, sportsmanship, and self-belief.
Parents, coaches, and school teachers across the district now recognize CMCT as a pillar of youth development in Krishnagiri.
🔭 Looking Ahead
As CMCT steps into its third decade, KDCA is working on scaling the model — expanding to more towns and introducing digital tracking of player progress. The aim? To reach more children and continue discovering hidden talents across the region.
✨ In Conclusion
Behind every champion is a story — and in Krishnagiri, many of those stories begin with CMCT. With over 200 months of legacy, it’s not just a tournament — it’s a tradition. And through it, KDCA continues to make one move at a time toward a brighter, smarter future.