Honoring a Legend: The 2nd PM Mohanty Invitational Rapid Tournament
The 2nd PM Mohanty Invitational Rapid Tournament took place on March 16, 2025, at KT Global School. It was held in honor of Shri Pabitra Mohan Mohanty, a chess legend from Odisha. The event was organized by the Odisha Chess Players Welfare Trust in which fifty talented young players participated. The total prize fund for the event was Rs. 1,00,000. Goa’s Nitish emerged as the champion, claiming the Rs. 30,000 first prize. More than just a tournament, the event fostered a sense of community and celebration. On the eve of the competition, players unwound with a friendly cricket match, offering a break from intense chess battles. With strong backing from KT Global School and passionate chess supporters, the tournament is poised for even greater success. They are planning to organize a FIDE-rated edition and more elite-level competitions in future. Check out the report for more details. Photos: Rakesh Kumar Jena
The 2nd PM Mohanty Invitational Rapid Tournament successfully concluded on the evening of March 16, 2025, at KT Global School, Barunei, Khordha. It was organized by the Odisha Chess Players Welfare Trust, a collective initiative formed by chess players and parents of Odisha, under the leadership of Shri Biswajit Ray, a veteran coach with a legacy of nurturing Odisha’s chess talents, including rising star Sattwik Swain. The trust organizes two tournaments every month, providing young players with regular competitive exposure.
This tournament was held in honor of Shri Pabitra Mohan Mohanty, Odisha’s first National A representative. Beyond his playing career, Mohanty sir was a philanthropist and dedicated mentor, selflessly imparting chess education to numerous children, often at no cost. His passing in 2017 was a great loss to the chess fraternity, but his spirit continues to inspire players across generations. To commemorate his contributions, IM Rakesh Kumar Jena the General Secretary of Odisha Chess Players Welfare Trust, envisioned this tournament as a prestigious event, bringing together Odisha’s best young talents.
Unlike an open tournament, this edition was an invitational event featuring 50 handpicked participants, including leading young players and promising prodigies of Odisha. The tournament boasted a total prize fund of ₹1,00,000, a landmark for a single-day chess event in Odisha. The successful execution of this tournament was made possible by the collective efforts of various stakeholders, patrons, and supporters.
KT Global School played a crucial role in the success of the 2nd PM Mohanty Invitational Rapid Tournament by providing free accommodation and an excellent venue. A strong supporter of chess, the school previously hosted a GM Coaching Camp with Boris Savchenko and is set to organize its next rated tournament on April 26th. The event was fully funded by generous patrons and chess enthusiasts, with several players contributing financially despite not participating.
The All Odisha Chess Association (AOCA), led by Secretary Shri Debabratta Bhatta, ensured the smooth conduct of the tournament, with Shri Bhatta also attending as the chief guest at the closing ceremony. Triple C Chess Club, known for its unique tournament formats, actively supported the event, with its Secretary, Shri Biranchi Narayan Sahoo, overseeing hospitality and providing three meals for all players. The Odisha Chess Players Welfare Trust, under Vice President and Acting President Shri Biswajit Ray, worked tirelessly to bring the tournament to life, with IM Rakesh Kumar Jena, the General Secretary, ensuring fair and competitive play.
The Tournament Director shared heartfelt reflections on the event, emphasizing its deep significance. “We all love Mohanty sir. His contributions were rare and invaluable,” he said, recalling how his team embraced the idea without hesitation. The only concern was whether there was enough time to execute it properly. Beyond this tribute, the tournament aimed to create more opportunities for young players. “Today’s generation needs frequent exposure to competitive chess,” he noted, revealing ambitious plans to host a tournament every two weeks to keep players engaged and motivated. Organizing an event with a ₹1,00,000 prize fund on short notice was a bold decision, but profit was never the goal, it was provide a platform for students.
Goa’s strong contender, Nitish, emerged victorious and clinched the Rs. 30,000 first prize. His participation highlighted the growing appeal of this tournament beyond Odisha’s borders.
Beyond the tournament, we also planned recreational activities. The night before the tournament, we invited all players to join a cricket match. The main goal was to provide our players with a relaxing time at KT, as some had just returned from the National Team Championship while others had recently finished their exams. All players were more than happy with this getaway.
The 2nd PM Mohanty Invitational Rapid Tournament was a resounding success, setting new benchmarks for chess events in Odisha. The collective efforts of players, organizers, and supporters ensured a smooth and well-organized tournament. With the growing enthusiasm and support from AOCA and KT Global School, this event is poised to grow into a major FIDE-rated tournament in the coming years.
Additionally, more high-level tournaments, including elite round-robins, are being planned to elevate Odisha’s chess scene, taking inspiration from successful online events like Triple C Online Blitz, with the goal of bringing them to an offline setting. With such dedication and commitment, Mohanty Sir’s legacy will continue to inspire and shape the future of chess in Odisha for generations to come.
Photo Gallery
