From a single tournament in 2002 to 23 events and counting, Panayappan's work behind the scenes has quietly shaped Tamil Nadu's chess ecosystem, producing not just a Grandmaster son, but a pipeline of titled players who came up through his events and coaching. As Panayappan marks a quarter-century since his first event, let's hear from him about the players he's helped shape and what keeps him going.

Where It Started

I organised my first chess tournament in 2002. I was also a part of the CRPF chess team along with GM Thipsay, IM Koshy, and many other players.

To the extreme left is Panayappan, centre - GM Thipsay, and to the right IM Koshy; above - IM MB Muralidharan

Twenty-Three Tournaments, One Purpose

Over the years, I have successfully organised 23 chess tournaments, providing opportunities for players of all levels to compete and gain valuable experience.

My primary motivation has always been to create opportunities for young players. I believe children need regular exposure to competitive chess, the experience of playing in well-organised events, and the chance to compete against players of different strengths. These experiences are essential for their growth and development.

GM Aravindh Chithambaram was a Chief Guest at one of the tournaments.

The Players Who Came Through

Many talented players have been associated with me over the years. Apart from my son, Grandmaster Sethuraman, players like GM Vishnu Prasanna, GM Vaishali Rmeshbabu, Akash, and several other FIDE-rated players have participated in our events, including a very exciting simul with Sethuraman and GM Sasikaran. It's always been a pleasure to see young talents grow and achieve success.

Many chess players received bicycles at the Kilpauk Chess Centre owned by Panayappan.

Raising a Grandmaster

I played a crucial role in the early stages of Sethuraman's chess career. I personally trained him until he reached a FIDE rating of around 2100. Beyond that, I arranged training sessions with several experienced foreign Grandmasters, ensuring he received high-quality coaching and international exposure.

Sethuraman and his family at the 44th Chess Olympiad, Chennai.

The Simul arranged at the Kilpauk Chess Centre featuring Grandmaster Sethuraman himself!

Advice for the Next Generation of Organisers

My advice is to organise tournaments with professionalism, ensuring a comfortable playing environment and smooth arrangements for all participants. I also encourage young organisers to think beyond short-term popularity and continue supporting classical chess, as it plays a vital role in building a strong foundation and helping players achieve long-term improvement.

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